Photo: AP

Iran has begun installing advanced centrifuges at its main uranium enrichment plant, according to a BBC source within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This defiant step is sure to dismay Western powers ahead of a resumption of nuclear talks with Tehran next week. 180 IR-2m centrifuges and empty centrifuge casings were installed at the facility near the town of Natanz. The West fears the new machines could enable Iran to speed up its accumulation of material that could be used to build a nuclear weapon. According to IAEA source, Iran has increased its 20% enriched uranium supply to 167kg. About 240-250 kg of 20% enriched uranium is the minimum amount for making a nuclear bomb.