Iran Discovers New Uranium Deposits, Continues Enrichment Program

    Iran has discovered new deposits of uranium and is continuing its nuclear enrichment program despite international protests, a top nuclear official said Tuesday.

    The deputy chief for nuclear research and technology, Mohammad Ghannadi, said at least three new uranium deposits were found, and the government was working toward mining them.

    He said the deposits were found in the Khoshoomi region, Charchooleh and Narigan.

    Iran already has substantial uranium resources, principally at the Saghand mine in the center of the country.

    Ghannadi said Iran's enrichment of uranium was continuing. Last week, the country flouted a U.N. deadline to cease enrichment, saying it would never give up the program. Enriched uranium is used a fuel for nuclear power generators or in nuclear warheads.