Iran starts uranium 20% suspension

 With the IAEA inspectors present, Iran has started suspension of 20 percent enrichment of uranium in Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites The IAEA inspectors arrived in Iran on January 18 to oversee the suspension on January 20 as a part of nuclear deal implementation between Iran and the P5+1.Powers are also due to ease sanctions on Iran as a part of joint Plan of Action negotiated in Geneva.Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency Ali Akbar Salehi said his country is building a new generation of centrifuges for uranium enrichment but that they need more tests before being mass-produced, apparently trying to counter internal criticism of its deal with world powers.Under an agreement made last month in Geneva, Iran promised not to bring new centrifuges into operation for six months, part of temporary limitations on its uranium enrichment programme in return for easing some sanctions. But the deal does not stop it from developing centrifuges.Salehi's comments seem to show the country is moving ahead with its nuclear programme to fend off criticism by Iranian hardliners, who have called the deal a surrender to western pressure.The government of Iran's new president, Hassan Rouhani, says the deal recognises Iran's right to enrich uranium.