Iran begins inserting fuel into nuclear plant core

Iran began loading fuel into the core of its first nuclear power plant Tuesday, one of the last steps to realizing its goal of becoming a peaceful nuclear power, state-run Press TV reported.

A government spokesman said the fueling shows Iran's nuclear program is on track despite international sanctions aimed at forcing it to curb uranium-enrichment activities that the US fears are aimed at developing atomic weapons.

"Iran's peaceful nuclear activities are going on as scheduled," Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters. "Political pressures such as sanctions ... will not impede our progress and will not keep our nation from exercising its inalienable right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology."

Some analysts say that firing up the $1 billion Bushehr plant will not bring the country any closer to building a nuclear bomb, since Russia will supply the enriched uranium for the reactor and take away spent fuel that could be used to make weapons-grade plutonium.

Also Tuesday, Tehran acknowledged giving "assistance" to Kabul after Afghan President Hamid Karzai admitted receiving bags of cash from Iran.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a neighboring government, is deeply concerned about Afghanistan's stability, and has given much assistance for the reconstruction of Afghanistan," Mehmanparast said when asked to comment on Karzai's announcement.

The issue has raised concerns in Washington that Tehran could be trying to expand influence in the Kabul government.

Agencies