Iran defends nuclear activity

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The head of Iran's atomic energy organization insists the nation's nuclear activities are in line with its commitment to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He said Iran is frustrated by the reaction of Western countries to the new facility. Wang Guan has more.

This is the first official confirmation from Tehran that the country IS building a new uranium enrichment plant.

The top official says its construction is in line with the Islamic Republic's goal of preserving and enjoying peaceful nuclear energy.

Ali Akbar Salehi, Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Org., said, "What we are doing is in line with our commitments within the IAEA. With regards to our nuclear activities, we are acting within the IAEA framework and do not ask for permission."

The Iranian government is frustrated about the reaction from the West. He half jokingly said Iran doesn't know what to do anymore because western governments do not appreciate whether it openly announced the facility or not.

The comments followed accusations by US President Barack Obama and other Western leaders that Iran built the nuclear fuel plant in secret.