Iran says it's tripling enrichment capacity

The U.S. ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna urged Iran yesterday to reconsider a 2006 offer by Europe, Russia, China and the U.S. to provide the country with nuclear technology and fuel, rather than further defying the Security Council's demand to suspend enrichment.

"This approach has not brought Iran international respect or accolade but rather increasing censure and sanction," Gregory L. Schulte said. "Today's announcement shows clear intent to even further violate Security Council requirements. Negotiation, not escalation, provides the best path to international respect and regional security."

Iran rejected the 2006 offer because it did not want to rely on an outside source for nuclear fuel and insists it has the right to produce its own, despite the Security Council resolutions ordering a halt.

Again last week, Iran turned down a package of economic incentives to abandon enrichment. Russia, which supplies fuel for the Iranian nuclear reactor in the southern city of Bushehr, also urged Iran last week to comply with U.N. and International Atomic Energy Association demands that it halt enrichment activities.

Ramin Mostaghim and Borzou Daragahi write for the Los Angeles Times.