Tehran: Iran plans to construct a second nuclear power plant, despite international concern over its nuclear programme, a state television reported on Monday.
The television said that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Cabinet ministers decided on Sunday night to build the reactor in Khuzistan province, southwestern Iran.
Earlier, Iran has said that it would build a second power plant at Bushehr, where its first nuclear reactor is due to begin generating electricity in 2006.
The Iranian Parliament has asked for the construction of 20 nuclear power plants. Russia, which built the Bushehr reactor, has offered to build more nuclear plants in Iran.
Iran is under intense pressure to curb its nuclear programme, which the US claims is part of an effort to produce weapons. But Iran says its programme is limited to generating electricity.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned Iran that its nuclear programme could be referred to the U N Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions on the country.
On Saturday, Iran approved a bill that would block international inspections of its atomic facilities if it were referred to the Security Council.
The step strengthens the government's hand in resisting international pressure to permanently abandon uranium enrichment.
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