Iran"s nuclear chief has said that Iran...

Iran"s decision to produce 20%-enriched uranium domestically in defiance of three sets of previously imposed international sanctions fueled appeals from the West for tougher UN Security Council sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Western powers suspect Iran of aiming to build a nuclear weapon. The Islamic Republic has consistently said its program is designed toward the peaceful generation of power.

In a sign that Russia, a traditional Iranian ally, is moving closer and closer to the position of Western nations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday it was "disappointed" by Iran"s decision to enrich uranium to 20%.

The ministry"s statement was followed on Tuesday by remarks made by Russia"s security chief Nikolai Patrushev, who said that Iran"s move created doubts about the peaceful nature of the country"s nuclear program.

MOSCOW, February 11 (RIA Novosti)