Iran Started Construction of New Nuclear Research Reactor in Isfahan

Defense News ,Iran :- Iran announced on Monday the commencement of the construction of a nuclear research reactor in Isfahan, shortly after revealing plans for a nuclear power plant complex in the southern region.

Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, confirmed the initiation of the reactor's foundation work at the Isfahan site. The Isfahan nuclear research center, already hosting three reactors, is set to welcome a new 10-megawatt research reactor aimed at establishing a robust neutron source, as reported by the state media IRNA.

The multifaceted applications of the new reactor include conducting fuel and nuclear material tests, as well as producing industrial radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, according to IRNA.

Despite facing stringent US sanctions since 2018, Iran remains steadfast in its pursuit of nuclear advancements. Following the withdrawal from the nuclear deal by former US President Donald Trump, Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are exclusively peaceful, denying any intention to develop nuclear weapons.

Rafael Grossi, the director general of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed frustration in January over Iran's perceived limitations in cooperating with the agency. However, Iran continues to assert its commitment to peaceful nuclear pursuits.

In a strategic move, Mohammad Eslami declared the construction of a nuclear power plant complex in Sirik, situated on the Strait of Hormuz, featuring four individual plants with a combined production capacity of 5,000 megawatts. Eslami outlined an ambitious goal, aiming for a national nuclear power production capacity of 20,000 megawatts by 2041 during a regional trip with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

The Sirik nuclear plants are anticipated to be fully operational by 2031, according to IRNA. Presently, Iran's only operational nuclear power plant, located in Bushehr, has a capacity of 3,000 megawatts. Achieving the 20,000 megawatt goal would place Iran among a select group of countries, including the United States, France, China, Russia, and South Korea, with such substantial nuclear capacity installations.