Iran's nuclear energy
chief says the country has built a new generation of centrifuges, which are
better able to enrich uranium.
The head of the nation's Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi,
announced the development Tuesday, saying scientists are now testing the new
models. He claimed the devices are better able to refine uranium than units
currently in use. Salehi did not say when the new model will be introduced in
its main enrichment facility.
His comments come as Iran prepares to join talks with six major powers next
week about Tehran's nuclear program.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Tuesday he believes the six
countries negotiating with Iran will remain firm at the meeting October 1 in
Geneva. The six -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and
Germany -- previously have told Iran they will put a moratorium on new U.N.
sanctions if Iran ends its enrichment program.