nuclear

Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced Thursday that Iran had mastered the final stage of nuclear fuel production.  He says they've manufactured the uranium pellets and rods used in reactor cores. Some Western powers suspect Iran's nuclear program is a cover for developing nuclear bombs.  But Iran denies this charge.

Iran Nuclear Program Update February 20, 2009

Iran insists that nuclear power is necessary for a booming population and rapidly-industrializing nation. It points to the fact that Iran's population has more than doubled in 20 years, the country regularly imports gasoline and electricity, and that burning fossil fuel in large amounts severely harms Iran's environment. Additionally, Iran wishes to diversify its sources of energy.

>> FUN: Click here to vote for or against the program.pps in farsi (MS Office PowerPoint Required to View!)

Iranian President Ahmadinejad declared a national holiday in honor of nuclear technology and posted photos of a tour of a uranium enrichment plant on his presidential site. David Martin reports.

US presidential rivals Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama were asked about their stance on Iran in their televised debate.