Defiant Iran expands nuclear plant

Iran has started installing 6,000 new centrifuges at its uranium enrichment plant in Natanz. The new development is seen as a show of defiance, following international demands to halt a nuclear programme.

On the occasion of the so-called 'National Day of Nuclear Achievement’, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited the underground Natanz facility. He said Iran would share information about further steps in implementing its nuclear programme.

The country already has some 3,000 centrifuges in Natanz.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Minister says its joining five other leading world powers in preparing a new set of plans to persuade Iran to suspend its enrichment programme.

The new incentives follow UN Security Council’s proposals made in early March when it imposed a third round of economic sanctions against Iran.

There are concerns that nuclear fuel produced in the country could be used to develop weapon.

Iran, however, insists that its nuclear programme is peaceful and continues to pursue it.