The IAEA confirms that Iran started assemblage of new gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment in Natanz, ITAR-TASS reports.
IAEA inspectors saw about a hundred IR2M centrifuges ready for installation in Natanz a few days ago. They will speed up uranium enrichment 3-5 times.
According to three diplomats at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, the systems were being installed.
Iran has recently started conversion of uranium into fuel plates at Fordow. The process had been halted last year. The uranium plates may be used for military purposes.
Iran told the IAEA about plans to assemble the centrifuges on January 23. The process started on February 13, as stated by head of the Iranian Organization for Atomic Energy Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani.
Russia urged Iran to stop uranium enrichment during talks with five permanent members of the UNSC and Germany. The US called the processes in Natanz a provocative step.
Iran and six mediators will have a new round of nuclear talks in Alma Ata on February 26.
Former Deputy Director General of the IAEA Olli Heinonen said that Iran will need 6-9 months to assemble 3,000 or more centrifuges, provided that all components were prepared.
David Albright, a former IAEA inspector, President of the Institute for Science and International Security in Washington, said that Iran was risking to form an image of a country racing to build a nuclear bomb.
