Iran has unveiled new developments in its nuclear programme. Tehran says it has used domestically-made nuclear fuel rods in a reactor for the first time. It also revealed more efficient uranium enrichment centrifuges at its facility in Natanz in central Iran.

Fereydoon Abbasi, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, says that the centrifuges are three times more efficient than their existing capacity. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the ceremony and watched as the rods were loaded into a reactor, describing the event as a “very big new achievement” in Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The era of bullying nations has passed. The arrogant powers cannot monopolise nuclear technology. They tried to prevent us by issuing sanctions and resolutions but failed… our nuclear path will continue,” Ahmadinejad says.