The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali-Akbar Salehi, says Iran is one of the few countries which can produce nuclear fuel rods and plates, Trend reports.
The official went on to say that Iran has built a facility in the central city of Isfahan to develop the technology required to power nuclear reactors, Press TV reported.
"A grand transformation has taken place in the production of (nuclear) plates and rods. With the completion of the unit in Isfahan, we are one of the few countries which can produce fuel rods and fuel plates."
He added that Western policies towards Iran had actually expedited the country's nuclear achievements, including the production of nuclear plates and rods.
"It is in fact due to the West's actions that we have arrived at this point," he said.
"What we say is based on reality and truth. There is no exaggeration or deception in our work. It is they who do not want to believe that Iran has no other intention, than to obtain nuclear technology for peaceful purposes."
Salehi said that Iran's invitation to foreign envoys to visit the country's nuclear sites is a good-will gesture, intended as further evidence of the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.
Representatives from Russia, China, the European Union and the Non-Aligned Movement have been invited to tour Iran's nuclear facilities in mid-January.
