ElBaradei Confirms Assembly of Second 164-cascade machine

International Atomic Energy Agency Director Mohamed ElBaradei confirmed yesterday what other diplomats were already leaking to the media: Iranian technicians have pieced together a second line, or cascade, of 164 centrifuges and are days away from using the cascade to enrich uranium. "It's in place and ready to go," ElBaradei said in a brief interview yesterday.

European officials suggested that this is another political move by the Iranians to show defiance while the UN Security Council debates sanctions against the country.

It would take many years for Iran to produce any bomb-grade uranium using the one 164-cascade machine it currrently is operating.