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Sen. Robert Menendez / AP

BY: Adam Kredo January 27, 2015 2:00 pm

Senior officials in the Obama administration admitted to Congress on Tuesday that the Iranian regime continues to conduct key nuclear research despite ongoing negotiations with the United States meant to curb Tehrans contested program.

When asked during testimony before the Senate Banking Committee about Irans continued research into key nuclear technologies, the officials said that Iran is tinkering with advanced technologies to enrich uranium, a key nuclear fuel.

Asked by Sen. Richard Shelby (R., Ala.), the committees chairman, whether the 2013 interim agreement with Iran has significantly halted Irans pursuit of advanced nuclear know-how, Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinkensaid that Iran is most likely still conducting limited research at several of its nuclear sites.

Youre absolutely right, that theres no doubt Iran is seeking to continue other [work on] centrifuges, Blinken said. But under the agreements it cant do the critical kind of testing needed to make great advances.

Are they tinkering with centrifuges and trying to build them in some places? Almost certainly, Blinken said.

But thats a little more than tinkering, Shelby responded. They continue to pursue their goal.

David Cohen, the Treasurys undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, agreed with Blinkens assessment.

There is no question that, as Deputy Secretary Blinken said, the Iranians remain interested in their nuclear program. These negotiations are designed to ensure going forward Iran cannot produce nuclear weapons, Cohen said.

Read more from the original source:
Obama Admin: Iran Continues Nuclear Work | Washington Free ...