Iran says that it has discovered new uranium deposits and plan to build 16 more nuclear reactors.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said in a February statement that new reserves had been discovered in northern and southern coastal areas that trebled the size of its known uranium deposits.
It also said that new nuclear power plants would be built around the country, including on the Sea of Oman and Caspian Sea.
The announcement came just days ahead of talks in Kazakhstan with six countries over its disputed nuclear programme.
The new uranium deposits have not been independently verified.
Iran is suspected by several major economies of attempting to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the accusations and its recent announcement is thought to be an attempt by the regime to increase its bargaining power at the Almaty talks.
Iran is meeting with representatives from the USA, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany to try and find a diplomatic breakthrough over the future of its nuclear programme.
Western negotiators want Iran to end its uranium enrichment programme in return for easing sanctions imposed on the country
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