Britain calls for united front to deal with Iran

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called on Wednesday for a "united front" between Gulf Arab countries and global powers to deal with Iran.

"I know that many countries in the region are concerned not just about the dangers of Iran's nuclear program but also (about) Iranian activities in the region that cause instability in many countries of the Middle East," Miliband told reporters in Saudi Arabia.

"I think it's very important that there is a united front between the countries of Europe, America, Russia and China and countries of the Gulf in addressing the range of issues that are posed by the Iranian regime," he added.

Miliband made the remarks after talks with Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal, whose Sunni-led monarchy has been waging a diplomatic campaign to reduce Shi'ite Iran's growing influence in the region.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expected to announce Iran has mastered the final stage of nuclear fuel production when the country celebrates its National Nuclear Day on Thursday.

"I will have good nuclear news for the respectful Iranian nation tomorrow (April 9)," Amadinejad said on Wednesday in a televised speech at the central city of Isfahan.

Analysts expect he will announce that Iran has completed the long process of uranium enrichment, enabling the country to produce its own fuel.

"A possible announcement will be production of natural uranium pellets for Iran's Arak heavy water reactor and also production of fuel rods and assembling rods into bundles," said an analyst, who asked not to be named. "It is the final stage in a long process to produce nuclear fuel."

The nuclear fuel cycle includes mining and milling of uranium ore, uranium enrichment, fabrication and use of nuclear fuel, reprocessing of used nuclear fuel, and disposal or management of radioactive waste or unreprocessed spent fuel.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its February 19 report said it could not verify Iran's planned Arak heavy water reactor was being designed only for peaceful uses. Tehran says the complex will be geared to produce solely isotopes for medical care and agriculture.

Iran's Students News agency ISNA said Ahmadinejad would inaugurate a nuclear fuel fabrication facility in central Iran.

"This factory produces nuclear fuel pellets and rods," ISNA reported on Wednesday without giving a source.

Iran's nuclear chief Gholamreza Aghazadeh said in 2007 the Islamic state had produced and tested nuclear fuel pellets of enriched uranium.

Ahmadinejad also said Wednesday that his country welcomes talks with the United States should the American president prove to be honest in extending its hand toward Iran, one of the strongest signals yet that Tehran welcomes Barack Obama's calls for dialogue.