Iran defends nuclear program

Iran has hit back at the International Atomic Energy Agency's latest condemnation of its nuclear program.

The country says a critical report by the UN's nuclear watchdog was pushing Tehran to develop new uranium enrichment facilities.

Iran's Vice President, Ali Akbar Salehi, told state radio on Monday that the decision to build 10 new uranium enrichment facilities was necessary. He said it was in response to the IAEA's resolution demanding Iran halt all enrichment activities.

Parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, did not rule out the possibility of a diplomatic solution. But he vowed to become tough if Iran was deceived by the West.

Ali Larijani, Iraninan Parliament speaker, said, "We are willing to act within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency and under its supervision. This shows that we believe in a diplomatic solution. However, this is one side of the matter. If others resort to deception and political swindling, then Iran will definitely change its approach."

Larijani also criticized the stance of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany towards Tehran's nuclear program.

Ali Larijani, Iraninan Parliament speaker, said, "The behavior of these countries toward Iran has sent a signal to the world. That is, anyone who wants to pursue a nuclear program, should not heed the IAEA and the Non-Proliferation Treaty."

Tehran's new uranium enrichment facilities would take years to build and stock with centrifuges.

But the ambitious plans were a bold show by Iran that it won't back down amid a perceived deadlock in negotiations.