Iran's nuclear agency announces it studying to construct an experimental nuclear fusion reactor, something no country has ever built.
Iran is not known to have carried out anything but basic fusion research. Its current nuclear fission program is being watched with concern by the U.S.
The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop weapons. Iran denies the charge.
Asghar Sediqzadeh, head of Nuclear Fusion Research Center, told state TV that Iran needs two years to complete the studies and then another 10 years to design and build a reactor.
Nuclear fusion, the process behind the hydrogen bomb, is more powerful than fission but has never been properly harnessed for power generation.
Copyright 2010 AP News
