Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali-Akbar Salehi said Iran has started the 20% uranium enrichment process as of today (Tuesday) at its Natanz nuclear site in Isfahan province.

The official told IRNA that the 20-percent enrichment process would be carried out in a separate section called ‘S8’ which is apart from Natanz routine production line which produces enriched uranium at lower levels.

Salehi stated “We start enrichment at 20 percent level in a separate section by injecting the 3.5 percent nuclear fuel to the enrichment system.”

He added that the new section was prepared “by making some changes in a previous part of Natanz site in coordination with the International Atomic energy Agency (IAEA).”

He said that Iran has informed the IAEA of the beginning of its 20% uranium enrichment activity by sending two separate letters to the agency.

Salehi said that the UN nuclear watchdog’s inspectors would as of today (Tuesday) supervise the activity of the new section.

Salehi stressed “Beginning of the 20% enrichment activity does not necessarily mean that the doors were closed on negotiation and interaction in regards to nuclear fuel swap.”