Iran says it plans to increase production of low-level enriched uranium

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's official news agency is reporting the country plans to increase production of low-level enriched uranium.

The Thursday report by IRNA quotes Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's nuclear department, as saying machines which were earlier producing 20 percent enriched uranium will be engaged in producing low-level enriched uranium.

"Hence, the production of five percent enriched uranium will increase," Salehi was quoted as saying.

Iran's nuclear facilities will continue their work, Salehi said, and "only production of 20 percent enriched uranium will halt."

Last weekend Iran agreed to freeze part of its nuclear activities in exchange for an easing of sanctions place on the country by world powers.

The West suspects Iran's nuclear activities have a military dimension. Iran denies the charge.