TEHRAN, March 5 (UPI) -- Iran is having problems creating viable nuclear enrichment technology and experts are guessing when and if a nuclear program will be up and running.
Since Iran opened up previously sealed uranium enrichment sites in January, ending an moratorium there, the United States and European countries have urged the U.N. Security Council to take action.
The International Atomic Energy Agency meets Monday to discuss Iran's plans for nuclear power and their cooperation with IAEA inspectors and may refer Iran to the Security Council for sanctions.
Tehran calls its nuclear programs a sovereign right and is touting it as for energy purposes only, not for weapons.
The New York Times reports that either way, Iranian scientists have to deal with plenty of problems.
For two decades the country has had difficulty acquiring blueprints and parts for enriching uranium. It also has been unable to clean the gas fed to centrifuges.
Some analysts said Iran would need to mass produce centrifuges for 10 years to put the large Natanz facility into full operation.
If that happens, it could produce 10 nuclear warheads annually.
Alleged secret operations and technology further cloud the extent of Iran's plans and proficiency of its programs.
