Diplomats: Iran Began Nuke Plant in 2002

Diplomats say Iran built its recently revealed uranium enrichment facility in fits and starts, with construction beginning seven years ago.

The diplomats say Iran started building the plant near Qom in 2002, paused for two years in 2004 and resumed construction in 2006.

The diplomats speaking with The Associated Press on Thursday demanded anonymity in exchange for discussing confidential information drawn up by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran says it wants to enrich only to make nuclear fuel, but the West fears it could turn its program toward making fissile warhead material.