Iran reacts to IAEA reports

TEHRAN, June 8 (UPI) -- The latest report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog shows the Iranian nuclear program is intended only for civilian energy production, Iranian officials maintain.

A report from the International Atomic Energy Agency obtained by the Los Angeles Times says Iran increased its low-enriched uranium supply by 30 percent since March to around 3,000 pounds. A total of 5,000 centrifuges, meanwhile, are processing uranium products, up 25 percent since March.

Analysts say 3,000 pounds is the threshold level for a nuclear weapon.

Ali Asghar Soltanieh, the Iranian representative to the IAEA, maintained, however, that the reports from the IAEA supported Tehran's claims the nuclear program was for peaceful purposes.

The semiofficial Fars News Agency in Iran says the IAEA report shows Iranian scientists have enriched uranium-235 to "less than 5 percent," saying that level was in line with uranium use for energy production.

Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and operates according to international guidelines.

"It is crystal clear and we have repeatedly said that we will not give up nuclear work and particularly enrichment activities," Soltanieh proclaimed.

Earlier IAEA reports said the intent of the Iranian nuclear program was ambiguous despite years of monitoring.

The IAEA envoy said his country would continue to cooperate with the U.N. watchdog as enrichment activity in Iran continues.