In an interview with Al-Alam TV Network, Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi referred to the timetable for implementing the nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 adding “after the complete closure of Iran’s PMD case upon the recent resolution released by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), some issues related to the resolution remain to be implemented.”
“After the adoption of the resolution, we have begun taking some measures like disabling a number of centrifuges at Natanz and Fordow sites,” noted Salehi expressing hope that the actions will end in two weeks.
He further asserted “the disabled centrifuges have been removed and the active ones which count to slightly more than nine thousand will continue their activities which marks an important part of the arrangements.”
“The other mission is to remove the heart of Arak reactor which will last for two weeks and preparatory work has been launched in this regard,” maintained the official adding “the accomplishment of the task demands signing of another contract by the members of 5+1.”
He estimated that the fulfillment of steps will take three weeks after the adoption of the resolution by the IAEA; “unpredictable events might add two more weeks to the time period,” Salehi underlined.
AEOI head expressed Iran’s readiness to carry out the actions in the shortest time possible urging the other side to fulfill their commitments as well including the lifting of US and EU economic sanctions.
Salehi called for the formation of an agenda on the removal of sanctions which will ensure that sanctions relief will not create any problems for other countries; “foreign investors are seeking such a guarantee and the consultation mechanism for the removal of sanctions is currently being prepared and will soon be announced,” he highlighted.
On the methods for taking out the heart of Arak reactor, the official stated “a new tank will be built for the reactor which takes 2 to 2.5 years; we are capable of constructing the new tank despite its technical difficulty and complexity.”
“The second tank will be created after the implementation of JCPOA,” stressed the official stating “Iran has produced 160 tons of heavy water of which only 130 tons will remain in the reservoirs until the activation of the reactor and the other 30 tons are supposed to be sold on the basis of JCPOA agreement.”
In response to a question about Iran’s reaction in case the US fails to meet its obligations, Salehi emphasized “in that case, America will lose out since IAEA has announced that Iran never sought nuclear weapons as well as that the information received by the Agency in 2003 have been unfounded.”
“The implementation of the Additional Protocol will be carried out in Iran exactly like any other country where the visit of non-core centers like civilian areas requires compelling reasons,” he asserted.
“Countries with nuclear technology like South Korea, Japan and European countries have expressed willingness to cooperate with Iran in the field,” said Salehi adding “Chinese have also announces intention to build nuclear plants and the relevant talks with China and Russia has achieved satisfactory progress.”
The AEOI head emphasized that Iran is trying to launch the construction of the second nuclear plant with Russians by considering existing potentials and capabilities; “construction of a nuclear plant is costly and a number of countries have announced readiness to finance the plant among which China will be Iran’s priority,” concluded Salehi.
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