Iran begins nuclear rollback under interim deal, officials say

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http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-iran-nuclear-rollback-deal-20140120,0,7254913.story



A picture released by Iranian officials shows former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inspecting the Natanz nuclear plant in central Iran in 2008.

Iran begins nuclear rollback under interim deal, officials say
By Ramin Mostaghim and Patrick J. McDonnell
January 20, 2014, 3:56 a.m.

TEHRAN — Iran began rolling back its nuclear program Monday as part of a landmark deal worked out last year with world powers, according to Iranian officials and the United Nations.

The Islamic Republic has begun to “voluntarily suspend” 20% enrichment of uranium -- just steps away from weapons grade material — in compliance with the international accord, said Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s nuclear energy organization, Press TV, Iran’s official English-language news service, reported.

Monday was the first day that the temporary agreement worked out in Geneva last year was to take effect.

As part of the agreement, the official IRNA news agency reported, Iran has also commenced reducing part of its stockpile of 20% enriched uranium.