TEMPO.CO, Swiss – Iran has stated its readiness to discuss the surplus of enriched uranium for research purposes with Western powers in a nuclear talks next week with five permanent members of United Nations Security Council; US, Russia, China, UK, France – and Germany.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said that Iran has unused 20 percent enriched uranium and turned half of it into powder form, which cannot be easily used to make weapons.
"We have some surplus, you know, the amount that we don't need. But over we can have some discussions over the issue," he said on Wednesday, October 9.
Western powers have attempted to stop Iran's enrichment of uranium up to more than 20 percent, which Larijani insisted that it is only used for research and medical treatment. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to raise objections.
Iran's Head of Nucler program Ali Akbar Salehi, has yet to explain the country's efforts to alleviate Western concerns. Economic sanctions currently imposed by the United States and European Union have done little to stop Iran from expanding its nuclear program.
AP | PHILY.COM | EKO ARI
