NEW : The U.S. says the enrichment is ` ` further escalation '' by Iran . The CIA confirms uranium production has begun at the Fordo plant . Iran says its nuclear program has a medical purpose , a semi - official newspaper reports . `` When you enrich to 20 % , there is no possible reason for that , if you 're talking about a peaceful program , '' she said . Iran needs to reduce uranium to 20 % for radioisotopes to treat cancer , Kayhan reports .
NEW : The U.S. says the enrichment is ` ` further escalation '' by Iran . The CIA confirms uranium production has begun at the Fordo plant . Iran says its nuclear program has a medical purpose , a semi - official newspaper reports . Iran needs to reduce uranium to 20 % for radioisotopes to treat cancer , Kayhan reports .