Iran recovers from cyber-attack on its nuclear facilityFebruary 16, 2011 - 14:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran has recovered quickly from the reported cyber-attack that targeted its nuclear facility in Natanz last year, according to a report published Feb 16. The country is now back to "steady or even slightly elevated production levels" at its uranium-enrichment plant, the Washington Post cited the world's nuclear watchdog as saying. An International Atomic Energy Agency report said video surveillance cameras at the site showed workers dismantling more than 10 per cent of the Natanz plant's 9,000 centrifuges and replacing them with hundreds of new machines. The remarkable footage was captured from late 2009 to spring 2010, when the so-called Stuxnet worm is thought to have wreaked havoc on the plants industrial controllers, sending the centrifuges needed for uranium enrichment spinning wildly out of control. The sophisticated computer worm is believed to have been the work of Israel, although no direct connection has been proven. But the new report appeared to raise serious doubts about whether the damage would have any major effect. "They have been able to quickly replace broken machines," said a Western diplomat with access to confidential IAEA reports. Despite the setbacks, "the Iranians appeared to be working hard to maintain a constant, stable output" of low-enriched uranium, the official was quoted as saying, Haaretz reported. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |