TEHRAN: Iran announced on Monday that it has started the construction of a new nuclear research reactor in Isfahan, just days after announcing plans for a nuclear power plant complex in the south, AFP reported.
Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, announced the development, stating that the process of pouring concrete for the reactor’s foundation had begun at the Isfahan site.
The Isfahan nuclear research center, already housing three reactors, will now see the addition of a new 10-megawatt research reactor designed to serve as a potent neutron source. According to state media IRNA, this reactor will have various applications, including fuel and nuclear material tests, as well as the production of industrial radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.
Iran Continues to Advance Nuclear Capabilities
Despite facing harsh US sanctions since 2018, following the withdrawal of the United States from the nuclear deal, Iran continues to advance its nuclear capabilities. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons.
In January, Rafael Grossi, the director general of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed frustration over Iran’s “restricting” cooperation with the agency.
Currently, only the United States, France, China, Russia, and South Korea have achieved this level of nuclear power capacity. Iran presently operates one nuclear power plant in Bushehr, capable of producing 3,000 megawatts.
