Spokesman: Talks underway to export heavy water
Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Behrouz Kamalvandi commented on Friday on purchasing surplus of Iran's heavy water by the US and said negotiations are underway with other countries to this end.
Commenting on the issue of the US purchase of surplus of Iran's heavy water, the official said, 'We have asked US to make some commitments about selling the heavy water. Fortunately, they are being fulfilled and we are at the stage of materializing it.'
The issue is important because the country which was to shut down Iran's heavy water facilities, is now to take responsibility for buying its heavy water. This is a significant issue from political, technical, legal and international aspects, Kamalvandi said, adding that the issue 'should not be underestimated.'
According to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was implemented in January, six months after the remarkable nuclear deal between Iran and the world six powers in Vienna, all anti-Iran nuclear-related sanctions should be lifted in return for some restrictions made by Iran on its nuclear activities.
Based on the JCPOA, Tehran can keep 130 tons of its heavy water and offer the surplus for sale on international markets.
'Of course, we have heard that certain states are doubtful about buying Iran's heavy water, but those doubts will remove when the US fulfills its commitments for purchasing the heavy water,' the official noted.
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi has said, 'We will sell surplus heavy water in the international markets.'
Heavy water is a very special product and not all countries are capable of producing it, he said, noting that the US is demanding sales of 32 tons of Iranian heavy water and talks to sell the same amount to Russia are also underway.
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