$Stock*Shop*Charts*News*Option$

[Stock Lobster]

IRAN: "Shock" Announcement Promised Tomorrow

Iranian nukes

Published: Feb. 10, 2010 at 9:27 AM
By United Press International

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama threatened Tehran with "significant" sanctions regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Obama said Tuesday that Iran is on a course that would lead to the development of nuclear weapons-grade material. Iran has contended its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes; many Western countries fear that true goal is to make Tehran a nuclear weapons power.

Obama said international officials were "developing a significant regime of sanctions" because of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Tehran has taken its own course on nuclear development, virtually ignoring existing sanctions and allegedly not being completely forthcoming with international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran this week said it would build additional nuclear material refining facilities and increase the level of refinement to 20 percent. Currently its program can refine uranium to 3.5 percent, which could be used in nuclear reactors. A nuclear weapon needs materials reined to 90 percent.

Iranian leaders promised that a "shock" announcement regarding its nuclear program would be made during ceremonies marking the Feb. 11 anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. It is unclear if the increase in refinement was that announcement or if Tehran will have additional news Thursday.

http://www.upi.com/Daily-Briefing/2010/02/10/Iranian-nukes/UPI-84691265812022/