Construction of Isfahan Research Reactor to Begin in Coming Weeks

The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said that based on planning that has been completed, “construction operations of the research reactor will officially begin at the Isfahan site in the coming weeks.”

IRNA news agency reported on Wednesday that Mohammad Eslami made this statement during a visit to the “UCF site” in Isfahan.

The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization stated: “Regarding research reactors, particularly one that can conduct fuel testing for other reactors, we have made plans and based on studies conducted, in the coming weeks we will officially begin construction operations of the research reactor at the Isfahan site.”

Mohammad Eslami said this project is “entirely Iranian and indigenous” and will complete the research, evaluation, testing, and assurance chain for nuclear power production.

He further noted that research has begun for “site selection,” particularly in the southern parts of the country, so that “suitable locations compatible with nuclear power plant requirements” can be identified and their study and design operations can begin.

The International Atomic Energy Agency announced in June of this year that 90 percent of Iran’s 60 percent enriched uranium has been transferred to the Isfahan Atomic Center, where uranium gas-to-metal conversion equipment is located.

Iran also stated last February to the International Atomic Energy Agency that it intends to begin producing centrifuge machines instead of at the Karaj facilities in a new complex in Isfahan.

Iran is developing its nuclear program even as it shut down last month the surveillance cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency at its atomic facilities.

Following the shutdown of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s surveillance cameras at Iran’s nuclear facilities, Rafael Grossi, the director general of the agency, said the Islamic Republic is “advancing its nuclear programs without the agency’s monitoring and inspections, and if no agreement is reached, we will enter a very uncertain phase.”

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Monday, noting that the Islamic Republic continues uranium enrichment at very high levels, that the agency does not have information proving that the Islamic Republic of Iran is building an atomic bomb, but Iran’s efforts and manner of operation are indicative of movement in that direction.

Iran’s nuclear program is one of the main concerns of the West and regional countries, especially since negotiations to revive the JCPOA have reached a deadlock.

U.S. President Joe Biden has repeatedly emphasized that he will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

Source: Radio Farda