Ahmadinejad orders higher uranium enrichment....

Yet another peaceful move...

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ordered his country's atomic agency on Sunday to begin the production of higher enriched uranium, a move that's likely to deepen international skepticism about the country's real intentions on the crucial issue of enriched uranium.

Mr. Ahmadinejad's latest pronouncement on the issue of enriched uranium coincided with a call Sunday by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M, Gates for the international community to rally together to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters during a weeklong European tour, Mr. Gates said that "if the international community will stand together and bring pressure" on Iran, "I believe there is still time for sanctions to work."

He declined to be specific about the type of sanctions he had in mind, but explained that the focus should be on putting pressure on the government in Tehran and not hurting the people.

In comments broadcast on state television, Mr. Ahmadinejad said: "God willing, 20 percent enrichment will start" to meet Iran's needs. He did not give a date for the start of the enrichment process.

He was speaking at a meeting attended by the head of Iran's atomic energy agency, Ali Akbar Salehi.

Turning to Mr. Salehi, Mr. Ahmadinejad said, "Mr. Salehi, begin production of 20 percent" enriched uranium.