Nation starts uranium enrichment, seizes tanker

摘要

Iran today began enriching uranium up to 20% at an underground facility and seized a South Korean-flagged oiltanker in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the Middle East between Tehran and theWest.The announcement of enrichment at Fordo came as fears rose that Tehran had seized the MT Hankuk Chemi.Iran later acknowledged the seizure, alleging that the vessel's "oil pollution" sparked the move. However, hoursearlier, Tehran said a South Korean diplomat was expected to visit in the coming days to negotiate the release ofbillions of dollars in its assets now frozen in Seoul.