Iran in Talks with China to Modernize Arak Reactor
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran is about to sign a contract with China for modernization of a heavy water reactor that Tehran has undertaken to redesign under a lasting nuclear deal with world powers, an MP quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as saying.
Attending a Monday session of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy commission, Mr. Araqchi said an agreement is going to be sealed with China for modernization of the Arak reactor, Nozar Shafiee said.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14 reached a conclusion on a lasting nuclear agreement that would terminate all sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear energy program after coming into force.
According to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), “Iran will redesign and rebuild a modernised heavy water research reactor in Arak, based on an agreed conceptual design, using fuel enriched up to 3.67 %, in a form of an international partnership which will certify the final design.”
Later in November, the document on redesigning the heavy water rector was signed by all parties to the JCPOA.
The lasting deal is expected to take effect within the next few weeks.