Iran Again Processing Uranium, Envoy Says

Iran has begun processing a new batch of uranium despite Western pressure on Tehran to halt sensitive atomic work, a diplomat said Wednesday.

Iran had notified the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, in late October that it intended to process a new batch of uranium at its Esfahan uranium conversion plant, but the work began later than scheduled.

“Conversion has resumed,” said the diplomat, who is close to the IAEA.

Western countries suspect Iran is seeking nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian program. Tehran, however, says it wants only to generate electricity.

“Obviously, it’s a development we view with concern,” said a U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The latest processing of uranium comes before a Nov. 24 meeting of the IAEA board of governors, which could refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council. The council has the power to impose sanctions.

“This is a rebuff to efforts to create some space to continue negotiations,” the diplomat close to the IAEA said.

“It looks like Iran is confident the board will opt not to refer them.”

Germany, Britain and France -- three European Union powers that led now-stalled nuclear talks with Iran -- and the United States have tentatively approved a Russian proposal to end a stalemate over Iran’s nuclear project.

The plan would allow Iran to continue nuclear fuel production if it shifted the most critical stage, uranium enrichment, to Russia as part of a joint venture.

Tehran has reiterated a resolve to develop its own nuclear fuel cycle, citing its sovereign right as a member of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei is to issue a new report on investigations into Iran’s nuclear program to the 35 member states of the agency’s board Friday, setting the stage for Nov. 24.