Reuters, May 18, 2014 – Iran appeared to take a harder line in its nuclear dispute with world powers on Sunday by dismissing as “ridiculous” one idea that could allay Western concerns about a planned atomic research reactor.
The fate of the heavy-water reactor at Arak، which has not yet been completed، is one of several thorny issues in talks between Iran and six powers aimed at reaching a long-term deal on Tehran`s nuclear program by an agreed July 20 deadline.
“It is ridiculous that the power of the (Arak) reactor would be cut from 40 megawatts to 10 megawatts”، nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi said، the official IRNA news agency reported.
If operating optimally، Arak could produce about nine kg (20 pounds) of plutonium annually، enough for about two atom bombs، the U.S. Institute for Science and International Security says.
Araghchi said Iran`s negotiating team would do its utmost to get an accord by July 20 based on the country`s “red lines،” but it would not be a “tragedy” if no deal was reached by then.
Iran`s red lines include preserving the Arak reactor and maintaining the enrichment capabilities.