Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony held to sign a cooperation agreement between the AEOI and the Research Institute of the Petroleum Industry on Monday May 29, Salehi said, “As promised, we provided the grounds for the production of stable isotopes, and we cooperated with the Russians to promote specific centrifuges to generate stable isotopes.”
The AEOI head pointed to an opportunity to design diversified centrifuges, saying, “We can also make use of the expertise and experience of others, and for now we are using the experience of the Russians.”
In response to another question on the outcome of negotiations with the Russians for the sale of surplus heavy water, Salehi said an Iranian delegation visited Russia last week to hold talks for the sale of 40 tons of excess heavy water to Moscow.
Citing progress in the negotiations, he said the talks are going well and a final contract is yet to be finalized.
“Russians have declared their readiness to buy 40 tons of heavy water, however because the negotiations are ongoing and not finalized, notification in advance is not appropriate,” Salehi noted.
Regarding the question about the delivery time of heavy water to the Americans, Salehi asserted, “Following the seizure of Iran’s assets, I asked my AEOI colleagues to refrain from delivering the heavy water consignments, because it was probable that the US would confiscate the shipment and make no payment.”
He stressed that the seizure of Iran’s assets added to the depth of Tehran’s longstanding distrust of the US.
