TEHRAN, Feb. 25, 2006 (UPI) -- As Iran allows nuclear inspectors more access, it is openly processing enriched uranium as a political show against U.S.-led demands for sanctions.
Earlier this month the United States and some European countries pressed the International Atomic Energy Agency to threaten Iran with sanctions, but reserved final action until a final report on Iran's uranium production, due March 6.
The row stems from Iran's demands to be allowed to process uranium for peaceful energy means.
Tehran calls it a sovereign right to do so and scrapped a November 2004 deal with France, Germany and Britain that halted such activity.
It ended the agreement in January.
The New York Times reports the Institute for Science and International Security said Iran has begun operating 10 centrifuges, way less than needed to produce a nuclear weapon but something U.S. officials call a political statement that it plans to pursue nuclear power.
The Bush administration plans to use this evidence along with a report alleging a link between Iran's energy and military work to push Iran's referral to the U.N. Security Council.
Officials with the IAEA are heading to Iran for more inspections after Iran said it would allow more access to various sites and information.
Copyright 2006 United Press International
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