Reuters reported that Iran is making strides in the construction of its research reactor that could potentially yield nuclear weapon materials. The nation maintains that it will produce medical isotopes, however, Westerners are concerned with Tehran’s atomic aims.

As quoted in the market news:

The West’s worries about Iran are focused largely on underground uranium enrichment plants at Natanz and Fordow, but it is also pressing ahead with construction of a heavy-water reactor near the town of Arak, which analysts say could produce plutonium for nuclear arms if the spent fuel is reprocessed.

Iran now plans to bring Arak on line in the third quarter of 2013, moving up its timetable from 2014, according to the latest U.N. information, although there is uncertainty whether it will be able to meet that target date.

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