According to the head of Iran’s fusion research institute Asghar Sediqzadeh, Iran has launched a nuclear fusion reactor programme. He noted that initial studies would last for two years, and a reactor would take 10 years to build. At a ceremony to mark the launching of the fusion project, Mr Sediqzadeh said 50 scientists would be working on this project. Meanwhile, the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi said that institute would have a budget of 80bn rials (£5.2m; $8m). It would be noteworthy that Iran is already under UN sanctions because of its nuclear activities. Although, Iran has constantly maintained that its nuclear programme is intended only for peaceful purposes.1

• 1. “Iran launches nuclear fusion bid,” BBC News, July 24, 2010, at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10749405