Iran: work on 2 new enrichment sites to begin soon

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said yesterday it plans to build two uranium enrichment facilities deep inside mountains to protect them from attack, a new challenge to Western powers trying to curb Tehran's nuclear program for fear it is aimed at making weapons.

Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran's vice president, said Tehran intends to use its more advanced centrifuges at the new sites, a decision that could add to growing concern in the West.

The two plants are among 10 industrial-scale uranium enrichment facilities Iran approved the construction of in November, in defiance of UN demands it halt enrichment.

"As of now, our enrichment sites . . . will be built inside mountains," Salehi added, according to the semiofficial news agency ISNA. - AP