Iran Nuclear Chief Lambasts UK Conduct in Yellowcake Contract
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi took a swipe at Britain for backing out of a deal on the sale of 900 tons of yellowcake (a type of uranium concentrate powder) to Iran, saying the Foreign Ministry is following up on the case.
Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Thursday, Salehi said Iran had hammered out a contract with the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on the purchase of 900 tons of yellowcake, but Britain backed out of the deal in the last moments.
During the meeting, held in Germany’s Frankfurt, and attended by former US Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, the contract on the purchase of 900 tons of yellowcake was negotiated and signed, but unfortunately, the London government pulled out of the deal, he deplored.
Salehi also noted that Iran’s Foreign Ministry is following up on the case, saying if the contract comes into force, Iran will add 900 tons of nuclear material to its stockpile within three years.
Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement between Iran and the Group 5+1, Tehran is allowed to use heavy water in its modified Arak nuclear reactor, but should sell any excess supply of both heavy water and enriched uranium on the international market.
The JCPOA also authorizes Iran to purchase natural uranium or yellowcake in return.
