"At present, we have no plan to enrich uranium above 20 percent purity, but when it comes to certain needs, for example, for some (nuclear-powered) ships and submarines, if our researchers need to have a stronger underwater presence, we will have to make small engines which should be fueled by 45 to 56 percent enriched uranium," Fars News Agency quoted Fereydoun Abbasi as saying during a nuclear technology confab at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran on Tuesday.

Iran currently is enriching uranium to a maximum 20 percent purity to make fuel for a research reactor in Tehran that produces medical isotopes.

He, however, noted that that his country needs highly-enriched uranium to produce particles like neutron detectors, which are used in all nuclear reactors, but their sale to Iran has been banned due to US-led sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

The AEOI director added that he believes Iran may consider enriching uranium to a higher level for some particular cases in the future -- like in manufacturing nuclear propellers used in sea vessels.

Fereydoun Abbasi said that changing the country’s current nuclear course is out of question despite the need for these particles.

The head of Iran's atomic agency also stated that Tehran is ready to share its experience in the field of nuclear technology with neighboring countries.

He also warned Iran's southern Arab neighbors in the Persian Gulf against getting involved in political games and propaganda against Tehran's nuclear energy program.