Iran begins building a new nuclear reactor

Iran announced on Monday (5) that it has begun construction of a new nuclear reactor in Isfahan. This news comes just one week after the country announced the construction of a nuclear power plant complex in the south of the country. The expansion of Iran's nuclear capabilities has been a source of international concern.

Powerful neutron source

Director of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Islami, said that construction of the reactor began by laying concrete for its foundations. Isfahan, a city located in central Iran, already contains three nuclear reactors. The new 10-megawatt reactor will be used for a variety of purposes, including testing of nuclear fuel and materials, as well as the production of radioisotopes and industrial radiopharmaceuticals.

International tensions

Iran's nuclear program has been a source of international tension since 2018. That year, the United States, under the leadership of then-President Donald Trump, withdrew from the landmark nuclear agreement that guaranteed Iran relief from international sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Activities. As for Iran, it has always denied its intention to develop nuclear weapons, and has insisted on the peaceful nature of its program.

Nuclear expansion in Serik

In addition to the new reactor in Isfahan, Mohammad Islami recently announced the construction of a nuclear complex at Sirik in the Strait of Hormuz. The complex will consist of four stations with a combined production capacity of 5,000 megawatts. The Cerik plant is expected to be fully operational by 2031. Currently, only five countries – the United States, France, China, Russia and North Korea – have more than 20,000 megawatts of installed nuclear capacity.