Iran, UN's energy chief discuss plans for nuclear ships

Talks with the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency come a week after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced the country would be producing nuclear-powered engines.

FILE: A UN agency has published a report accusing Israel of imposing an "apartheid regime" on the Palestinian people. Source: United Nations

Iran discussed its plans for nuclear-powered ships with UN nuclear chief Yukiyo Amano on Sunday, saying it would present details within three months, local media reported.

Amano did not comment on the plans to produce nuclear-powered engines, which were announced by President Hassan Rouhani last week in response to news that the United States was renewing sanctions legislation.

Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, said he and Amano discussed the most controversial point - the level of uranium-enrichment required for the ships. 

"This is not a simple matter that can be decided quickly. We have three months to review it," he told reporters. 

"Normally, the enrichment for such engines is between five percent and 90 percent. It depends on the type of engine and the time and goal we want to reach."

Under last year's nuclear deal with world powers, Iran is only allowed to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent, but that limit falls away after 15 years.

Tehran says Washington has breached the nuclear accord by renewing the Iran Sanctions Act, even though almost all of its measures remain suspended under the deal.