Atomic energy institutions of the U.S. and China will help Iran to redesign its Arak Heavy water Research reactor, the U.S.' Department of Energy announced Sunday.
The U.S. department said representatives from China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), met in Vienna on Sept. 14 to discuss future steps for the modernization of the Arak reactor.
The final nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and the world powers P5+1 group on July 14 stipulates that Iran's nuclear activities should be used for peaceful purposes only and should not lead to the development of a nuclear weapon.
In 2005, the heavy water production plant in Arak was launched by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who speeded up the country's nuclear program despite the threat of sanctions from world powers.
The following year, the U.N. Security Council imposed sanctions on Iran, blocking the import and export of sensitive nuclear material, equipment and banned ballistic missile development.
Since fuel spent from a heavy water reactor contains plutonium and can be used to develop a nuclear bomb, Arak's redesign is vital. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to redesign Arak and not to build any other heavy water reactors or accumulate heavy water for the next 15 years.
The U.S. Energy Department said Sunday that its nuclear experts and the CAEA will co-chair the Arak Modernization Working Group, while Iran will take the leadership role as the owner of and project manager of the Arak Modernization Project.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
ovunc.kutlu@aa.com.tr