'Iran to announce opening of Fordow nuke plant'
Iranian experts predict that Tehran is soon to announce activation of fortified uranium enrichment facility
In a speech broadcast live on state television Saturday, Ahmadinejad did not elaborate on the said achievements, but insisted Iran would never give up its uranium enrichment.
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Iran says it's produced first nuclear fuel rod
The Iran Diplomatic news site reported that some experts are predicting that Tehran is going to conclusive announce that it has begun production of nuclear fuel rods for its research plant. In January, Iranian authorities said they have successfully tested the rods, which they claimed are to be used for medical research.
Iranians celebrating anniversary of Islamic Revolution (Photo: MCT)
Strategic announcement
According to the report, another achievement that Iran could announce is the activation of the Fordow facility, an underground uranium enrichment plant located near the city of Qom. Over the past few months the Islamic Republic has been transferring its enrichment centrifuges from the Natanz facility to the well-fortified Fordow site in order to protect its nuclear capabilities from a possible US or Israeli strike.
"Announcing the activation of the Fordow plant has strategic value," the news site posited, especially in light of recent statements made by "the Zionist regime," claiming that Iran is moving towards immunity from a possible attack. The comment referred to Defense Minister Ehud Barak's recent call for urgent sanctions on Iran, whose nuclear program is soon to become too fortified for a strike to be successful.
The experts predicted that Tehran is to announce its nuclear gains prior to the parliamentary elections int he country, which are slotted to take place on March 2, and prior to the impending renewal of the talks with the West over its atom program.
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