Iran defiant in nuclear row

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran will now enrich its uranium to an even higher level, defying a UN call to halt the process due to fears over the country’s nuclear programme.

Mr Ahmadinejad expressed frustration with negotiations over a UN-backed deal to swap Iran’s low-enriched uranium for higher-enriched fuel rods to power its medical research reactor.

“I declare here that with the grace of God, the Iranian nation will produce 20% (enriched uranium) and anything it needs itself,” Mr Ahmadinejad told a cheering crowd of thousands in the southern city Isfahan.

“We told them, give us the 20 % fuel (in an exchange),” he said. “But then they started adding conditions. So we said if you want to give us the fuel we’ll take it. If not, then fine and goodbye.”