(VOVworld)-Iran may be poised to expand its nuclear program at an underground site near the city of Qom. Diplomatic sources revealed that Teheran appears to be ready to install thousands of new-generation centrifuges at the fortified underground plant. They could speed up the production of enriched uranium - required for both power generation and nuclear weapons.

Iran is ready for big nuclear expansion

According to other accounts by diplomats requesting anonymity, the Qom facility now contains the electrical circuitry, piping and supporting equipment required for the new centrifuges.

In another development, Iranian official news agency IRNA said that Iranian warships have passed through the Suez Canal to enter the Mediterranean Sea. Two Iranian navy vessels entered the Mediterranean in February last year. At that time, Israel called it a "provocation" and set its navy on alert.