Attar: Iran moving forward with enrichment

ESFAHAN, Iran, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Iranian uranium enrichment includes nearly 4,000 centrifuges in operation, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali-Reza Sheikh Attar says.

Attar said enrichment facilities in Natanz could soon add a 3,000 centrifuges to the thousands in operation as Iran moves forward in its nuclear program despite international criticism, the Islamic Republic News Agency said Friday.

Attar said attempts by the international community to stop nuclear proliferation in Iran have been futile and warned such actions would cost such countries "dearly."

"Had westerners become certain that the resolutions would bring us down to our knees, they would have definitely intensified them (the sanctions)," he said.

"They do know that ultra-resolution actions will cost them more dearly," Attar added.

The deputy minister also told IRIN that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's take on the U.S. populaiton is that it is an audience Iran can easily influence in the future.