Iran is likely to make a new announcement...

Iran usually holds a demonstration of its scientific and technological achievements during the celebrations, running annually from February 1 to 11 and led by the country"s religious leader, Ayatollah Khomeini.

In early February 2009, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the launch of the country"s first domestically-built satellite into orbit.

This time he is likely to announce 20% uranium enrichment from 3.5%. Iran needs 20%-pure uranium for a Tehran research reactor. Iranian authorities also plan to launch three satellites and to hold large-scale military drills, thought to involve missile tests.

The festivities, known as the "Ten Days of Dawn" will culminate on February 11, the date when revolutionary forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini defeated pro-government troops in armed street clashes.

During the festivities, opposition forces might again gather for an attempt to revive demonstrations against alleged fraud in last year"s Iranian

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