Hassan Rouhani: Tehran Will Temporarily Halt Uranium Enrichment Starting Monday

Hassan Rouhani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, announced that Tehran will temporarily halt uranium enrichment starting Monday and will agree to surprise inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities. Rouhani made this announcement in Moscow following a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials, discussing nuclear cooperation. He also stated that Iran would submit a letter of agreement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the Additional Protocol. Officials indicated that the Moscow negotiations might pave the way for the resumption of construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which had been halted over the issue of returning spent fuel to Russia. The head of the IAEA is expected to present a report this week to the agency's board regarding concerns related to Iran's nuclear program. The United States has accused Iran of intending to use its nuclear program as a cover for weapons production. Iranian officials assert that their goal in enriching uranium is solely to provide fuel for the nuclear power plant.