**Iran has announced immediate plans to step up its nuclear programme, which Western nations fear could be used to make a bomb.**Its nuclear chief said Iran would start enriching uranium to 20% from Tuesday, and that 10 new uranium enrichment plants would be built in the next year.
Ali Akbar Salehi said the enrichment would take place at Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment plant.
The move heightens fears Iran is moving closer to weapons-grade uranium.
It comes amid growing tension with the West, which has criticised Iran for stalling on a deal over its enrichment programme.
The latest development comes days before Iran celebrates the anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which is expected to see pro- and anti-government demonstrations.