Ahmadinejad: Iran will employ new generation of centrifuges

Iran has approved plans to build an additional 10 uranium enrichment plants. Government officials, say these new sites are necessary to produce enough fuel for future nuclear power plants. This dramatic expansion of their nuclear program comes in defiance of UN demands.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his nation will employ a new generation of more efficient, and more productive, nuclear centrifuges.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian President, said, "Iran's Atomic Energy Organization is obliged, as of now, to begin working on five sites, and also to offer locations for five new sites, which altogether will be 10 new sites for nuclear fuel production with all required facilities included."

Ahmadinejad says all of the plants will be constructed at the same scale as the main enrichment complex in Natanz. The new sites would be built inside mountains, for protection from possible attacks.

Ahmadinejad adds that Iran's Cabinet is scheduled to further discuss the production of high-grade uranium of 20 percent purity, on Wednesday.

The Iranian decision comes days after the UN nuclear watchdog censured the country over its program, and demanded a halt to all enrichment activities.

Despite the announcement, the speaker of Iran's parliament says the Islamic Republic is still seeking diplomacy on the nuclear issue.

Ali Larijani, Iran Parliament Speaker, said, "We are willing to act within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and under its supervision, and 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. Hence, it is they who should decide what path to define for themselves regarding this issue."

Meanwhile, the White House is warning that the Iranian plans constitute a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The French Foreign Ministry adds that Iran's defiance of the IAEA is extremely dangerous.