Iran’s National Nuclear Technology Day

April 9 has been registered as a turning point in the field of scientific achievements in Iran’s official calendar. On this historical day, Islamic Republic of Iran celebrated its resounding accomplishment in the field of peaceful nuclear technology, declaring to the international community that a nation which wants to cover the path to growth and progress will succeed.

On April 9, 2007, the second new set of centrifuges of Natanz nuclear installations was unveiled. This accomplishment marked Iran’s entry to the industrialization phase of uranium enrichment. Many countries are currently in need of this industry, but, this industry is practically monopolized by a few states, similar to other advanced achievements and technologies.

This accomplishment set a prelude to next strides within the domain of peaceful nuclear technology in Iran. In the year 2009, Iran’s nuclear scientists succeeded in preparation of nuclear fuel for usage in reactors, for the purpose of generating electricity. In the year 2010, Iran’s self-sufficiency in mass production of nuclear yellow cake was officially announced. In continuation of these major accomplishments, Iran’s nuclear scientists managed to produce 20% enriched nuclear fuel. In the year 2012, six new nuclear accomplishments, including the production of natural uranium dioxide with nuclear purity, as feed for Arak heavy water power station, in addition to a new radio-medicine product were unveiled. Up to now, upon the application of this technology, a diverse range of medicines for diagnosis and treatment of ailments have been produced. Furthermore, many refractory illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with the usage of radio medicines.

Undoubtedly, transcending these scientific boundaries was not an easy task. Islamic Republic of Iran, upon the announcement of its resounding achievement in access to uranium enrichment cycle, was targeted by baseless accusation, while based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; usage of nuclear technology under the supervision of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a legal right. Islamic Republic of Iran, as an IAEA member state, which adheres to IAEA and Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) rules and regulations, is entitled to benefit from this legal right. Meanwhile, based on NPT, the countries which maintain nuclear technology should assist other countries, who have not accessed peaceful nuclear technology, in the path to accomplishment of this goal. However, for more than ten years, Iran has been imposed with illegal sanctions; and has been targeted with baseless accusations.

US has sabotaged Iran’s progress in the field of peaceful nuclear technology, resorting to a number of unilateral measures against Islamic Iran, and forcing many states to impose sanctions and pile up pressure against the Iranian nation, while ratifying a number of resolutions at the UN Security Council. IAEA Board of Governors, pressed by the US, referred Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities case to UN Security Council on March 8, 2006, causing the issuance of six anti-Iran resolutions as of the year 2006. The UN Security Council, within the framework of the resolutions, which were issued under the heading of 7^th Chapter of UN Charter, baselessly identified and banned Iran’s uranium enrichment plan as a threat against international peace and security.

For a number of years, the US and a few European states have stirred controversy, making strenuous efforts to somehow portray Iran’s peaceful nuclear plan as a threat. In accordance to Western regimes’ scenario, they intended to shutdown Iran’s nuclear installations. However, finally, Iran’s nuclear case was closed within the framework of a nuclear agreement, and based on the contents of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action; with Iran fully gaining access to its inalienable nuclear rights.

Iran’s nuclear negotiating team, after two years of talks with 5+1 Group member states, reached an agreement. Based on this agreement, goals such as maintenance of peaceful nuclear technology; revocation of UN Security Council resolutions, and exclusion of Iran’s nuclear case from the 7^th Chapter of UN Charter, were materialized. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council, upon approval of new resolutions, recognized Iran’s peaceful nuclear plan as a legitimate plan and Iran’s legal right.

Currently, Iran has embarked upon the global markets, as a nuclear producer, producing enriched uranium and heavy water. The quality of heavy water produced in Iran, with 99.95% purity, has been confirmed in best laboratories. Currently, in addition to the US and Russia, major European companies have also applied for purchase of heavy water from Iran.

Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, took part in the 3-day meetings of World Nuclear Association in London, last year, proposing the cooperation of two Iranian universities with the World Nuclear Association, which was accepted by this global association. The recommendations and consultations of Salehi, throughout the meetings of World Nuclear Association in London showed that Iran is on the verge of a huge leap, which aims to expand cooperation with organizations, active in the field of peaceful nuclear technology.

Iran has appropriately used peaceful nuclear technology in different sectors, including the health sector, and in production of radio-medicines, and can transfer these experiences and achievements to applicant countries, within the framework of conventional cooperation in the domain of nuclear know-how.

The development of nuclear medicine includes establishment of a super-modern nuclear medicine regional center; and usage of laser technology for medical applications.

Iran’s nuclear progress in the domains of research and development, and within the plan for construction of new nuclear power stations, in addition to identification of new sources of uranium are part of the other measures taken by Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. Iran has also provided the centrifuges needed in the health sector for production of vaccines. Furthermore, the largest nuclear hospital in West Asia is under construction in Iran.

According to Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran is also currently cooperating with Russia for production of sustainable isotopes.

Thus, Iran’s National Nuclear Technology Day is a symbol of utmost efforts and self-confidence of Iranian experts in the field of peaceful nuclear technology.

The determined Iranian nation has shown that they are capable of ascending the pinnacles of science and technology.

MR/ME