Iran scaling down plutonium production plansJune 12, 2014 - 15:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran is scaling down plutonium production plans at its partially built heavy-water reactor, saying the facility will make significantly smaller amounts of waste plutonium than what is required for the core of a nuclear weapon. According to the Associated Press, nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi told the official IRNA news agency late Wednesday, June 12, that instead of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) as initially planned, the Arak reactor will make less than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). Salehi says this will involve redesigning the reactor, which is still under construction. The change of plans is part of a deal that Iran is negotiating with world powers to ensure its nuclear program will not produce an atomic weapon, in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. The next round in the nuclear talks will be held next week. Related links: 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. |