Iranian Parliament Approves Plan on Protection of Nuclear Facilities

According to a Farsi report by ICANA, Iranian Parliament added a clause to Sixth Development Program to ensure the protection of Iranian nuclear sites.

“While measures have been taken all over the world to prevent nuclear disasters, there was no regulation on protection and safety control of nuclear facilities in Iran,” stressed Morteza Saffari Natanzi, an Iranian lawmaker.

In order to implement and promote its general policies and Resistance Economy doctrine, the 51st article of Sixth 5-year Development Program urges the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to codify a national plan for emergency in power plants and nuclear facilities.

This proposal is to be arranged based on passive defence principles in cooperation with organizations such as Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Passive Defence Organization before being approved by Supreme National Security Council.

The articles of this proposal put emphasis on its strategic implementation under the supervision of Atomic Energy and Passive Defence organizations of Iran regarding the country’s domestic and international conditions.

“Nuclear sites and facilities demand special attention as any possible danger during their activity can result in irreparable damages,” noted Hossein Naqavi Hosseini, another lawmaker, referring to Chernobyl disaster.

“The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is responsible for the implementation of passive defence principles and safety control within the facilities. Passive Defence Organization, on the other hand, has the duty to provide security outside the nuclear sites.”

Despite all unilaterally-imposed sanctions against Iran, its nuclear industry has made considerable progress during past years. Now it is one of the best ones in the world and many countries are purchasing the heavy water produced in Iranian sites.

While everyone was focusing on the development of nuclear industry, many neglected the safety measures to protect nuclear power plants and facilities as the basis of industry. Now it is time to address the issue by introducing safety regulations.