Iran has begun dismantling nuke facilities

Iran has begun dismantling parts of its nuclear programme, as agreed under July's landmark deal with major powers, a UN atomic watchdog report showed yesterday.

Iran "has started removing centrifuges and related infrastructure" at both the Natanz and Fordo enrichment facilities, said a restricted quarterly report, seen by AFP.

Under the July 14 deal that ended a potentially dangerous decade-long standoff, Iran agreed to reduce two-thirds of its nuclear centrifuges.

In return, the six major powers -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany -- have agreed to lift sanctions imposed on the Islamic republic.