Iran’s spiritual leader threatens to boost uranium enrichment if sanctions persistJuly 23, 2012 - 18:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran will start enriching uranium to 56-percent level if Israel and Western world keep on pressurizing the Islamic Republic with sanctions, Iranian religious leader Seyed Reza Taghavi said, RIA Novosti reported citing Kabir News. “Currently Tehran produces 20-percent-enriched uranium but we will transform it to 56-percent-enriched uranium if Western countries continue their hostile viewpoint against Iran. All the restrictions and sanctions are because of the great power of the Islamic Republic.” Seyed Reza Taghavi added. Uranium enrichment is a central issue in Iran’s controversial nuclear program. Currently the Islamic Republic possesses 20-percent-enriched uranium which can be turned into 90-percent highly-enriched, enough for producing a nuclear bomb. Taghavi also warned that “if Israel makes any mistake,” Iran “will target the heart of Tel Aviv directly from Tehran,” adding that “Iran will not bow in front of the massive sanctions from Western countries,” Kabir News said. Western nations claim Iran’s nuclear energy research is a cover for atomic weapons production, which Tehran has consistently denied. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |