Iran asserts it has right to enrich uranium

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran insisted Saturday it has the right to enrich uranium to produce nuclear power, saying its decision to suspend enrichment was voluntary and temporary.

Hasan Rowhani, head of the powerful Supreme National Security Council, said Iran expected to eventually produce fuel for one or two power plants despite its agreement with the U.N. nuclear agency to suspend enrichment and open up its nuclear program to extensive inspection.

"Our decision to suspend uranium enrichment is voluntary and temporary. Uranium enrichment is Iran's natural right and (Iran) will reserve for itself this right. ... There has been and there will be no question of a permanent suspension or halt at all," Rowhani said at a news conference.

Rowhani also said Iran will punish nations that backed the U.S. plan to bring Iran's nuclear program before the U.N. Security Council, introducing a direct threat of sanctions.

On Wednesday, the 35-member board of the International Atomic Energy Agency adopted by consensus a compromise resolution that censured Iran for the secrecy of its nuclear program but fell short of the U.S. position. Key European powers opposed a direct threat, worried that Tehran would stop cooperating in retaliation.

Iran has insisted its nuclear program is aimed only at peaceful uses, challenging U.S. accusations it plans to make weapons.

"Iran will not treat countries that stood beside America and others equally. We will scrutinize this carefully. In big economic projects, Iran will consider this," Rowhani said.

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