Khamenei aide says Iran will increase uranium enrichment if world pressure persists

07/21/12: Haaretz reports a senior cleric warned Iran will increase its level of uranium enrichment if world powers continue to place pressure on the country over its nuclear program.  “Iran is now capable of enriching uranium at a 20 percent level, but if [Western nations] continue their pressure, we will increase enrichment levels to 56 percent,” said Reza Taqavi, a close aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  The remarks followed media reports that parliament was preparing a bill urging the defense ministry to design nuclear-powered ships, whose fuel would require enriching uranium to over 50 percent.  World powers are demanding that Iran immediately halt the 20 percent enrichment of uranium, which Tehran insists is for civilian purposes only.