Iran is preparing to ramp up its nuclear program, according to an Associated Press report.

The Associated Press reported the Islamic Republic told the International Atomic Energy Agency last week it wants to install thousands of high-tech machines at its main enriching site.

Iran said its ready to increase production of 20 percent enriched uranium at its Fordo nuclear plant to nearly double its present output. That would halve the time needed to produce enough weapons-grade uranium to arm a nuclear weapon.

That move would boost production of material that can be used for both reactor fuel and nuclear warheads.

Iran insists it has a right to enrich for a civilian power program and continues to defy U.N. Security Council demands to stop.

Meanwhile, President Obama told reporters in Washington the United States still has time to reach an agreement with Iran on its nuclear program.