According to a diplomat citing a confidential UN nuclear watchdog report, Iran has shipped 11 tons of heavy water abroad to bring its stock back under the limit of 130 tons set by the July 15 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Reuters reported.
“On 6 December the Agency verified the quantity of 11 metric tons of the nuclear-grade heavy water at its destination outside Iran,” the diplomat added.
“This transfer of heavy water out of Iran brings Iran’s stock of heavy water to below 130 tons,” it said, adding that Iran had told the agency that the shipment left the country on November 19.
The report substantiated an Iranian statement last month about a transfer to Oman but does not identify the destination.
On November 22, Iran’s nuclear chief declared that Iran had shipped around 11 tons of its excess heavy water, a material used as a moderator in nuclear reactors, to Oman as part of the deal.
Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said at the time that the country sent the cargo of heavy water to Oman after the other parties to the JCPOA expressed readiness to purchase the product.
Heavy water is used in some nuclear reactors, but is not radioactive, Tasnim reported.
Under the JCPOA, which came into force in January, Iran 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.
IAEA Chief May Visit Iran by Year End
Meanwhile, Salehi announced that Japanese Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano is willing to visit Iran in 2016.
Salehi told IRIB on Tuesday that the head of the UN nuclear agency has expressed willingness to pay a visit to Iran before year’s end.
“We would welcome his trip to Iran,” Salehi added.
It would be Amano’s second trip to Iran in 2016. He once visited Tehran in January, days after the JCPOA came into force.
The IAEA is responsible for monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities as per the nuclear deal and should also help the country develop its nuclear energy program.
