(Thumbnail Image: The San Francisco Sentinel)

Iran told the International Atomic Energy Agency that it plans to increase its enrichment of uranium fuel from 3 percent to 20 percent. While the Iranian government says it will use the uranium in a medical reactor, Western nations believe Iran intends to build nuclear weapons.
 
The Obama administration says it will seek stiff international sanctions against Iran and several members of the UN Security Council are already expressing support. But some are saying the West is over-reacting.

We’re looking at perspectives from Russia Today, Al Jazeera-English, Sky News,  and PressTV

Investigative journalist and Russia Today contributor Wayne Madsen believes Western nations are over-reacting.

“You need 90 percent enriched uranium to create a nuclear weapon so all this, these, complaints from the Western countries about Iran striving for a nuclear weapon I think is just hyping the situation.”

Supporters of sanctions argue that Iran is taking an important incremental step that could enable it to be producing weapons-grade uranium in a matter of months. Sky News reports this is why the British government is joining the call for sanctions.

“The British government has also condemned the latest tactic by Tehran and the concern is not without foundation. It is far easier to make a nuclear bomb from 20% enriched uranium than the low enriched uranium Iran currently possesses.”
 
Al Jazeera English put significance in the timing of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's decision -- during the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that ousted the country's royal family. The network offered perspectives from some Iranians.

"This is what the week is all about, criticizing the West and celebrating the achievements of the revolution and an important part of that, the nuclear program"

"I don't know really what the Western countries think about this. Maybe they just think of nuclear use as a weapon. For us it only a tool of scienitific reseaerch."

"Iran is to reach its goals of a modern up to date science and nuclear energy... Nuclear science can replace the old."

"President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made the nuclear program a key pilar of his foreign policy. And it's important for the administration not to show any sign of weakness, especially now in what are uncertain times for Iran."

Many experts say sanctions will be effective only if they are supported by China and Russia because those nations do extensive business with Iran. Although Russia is expressing tentative support, China remains steadfastly opposed to sanctions. And PressTV, Iran's state-run satellite channel, is giving prominent attention to China's view -- such as these comments from the Chinese foreign minister.
 
“The parties concerned should, with the overall and long term interest in mind, step up diplomatic efforts. Stay patient and adopt a more flexible, pragmatic, and proactive policy. The purpose is to seek a comprehensive long term and proper solution to dialogue and negotiations and uphold the international nuclear nonproliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East.”

So what do you think?  Should Iran be trusted to begin producing this uranium without sanctions?  Or are further sanctions needed to ensure international safety and security?

Writer: Newsy Staff

Producer: Nathan Giannini