"We do not intend to use the peaceful nuclear energy merely for generating electricity and energy; rather, our next step would be expanding the use of this technology for purposes other than energy and fuel production", Behzad Soltani, Secretary of the AEOI's Scientific Cooperation Council, was quoted as saying by the state-run Fars news agency.
Soltani, a deputy head of the AEOI, added, "No country would even think about attacking Iran after Iran's membership in the [nuclear] club".
Pointing to the construction of a 360 MW nuclear power plant and a 40 MW research reactor in Iran's central city of Arak, projects which Soltani said are now 70% complete, he said, "This means Iran's mighty nuclear independence is intermingled with economic growth, expansion of technology and political power in the international arena".
The official's comments will likely increase concern in the West which suspects Iran is working towards nuclear power for non-peaceful means and with the ultimate aim of developing nuclear weapons.
