Tehran, July 23, IRNA - Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi said on Saturday that grounds are now prepared for Iran to be admitted as the 36th member of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).


ITER has 27 members comprising European Union countries, the US, Russia, China, India, South Korea and Japan and during recent visit the grounds were prepared for Iran to join the plan, he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the only country in west Asia to be admitted in the project and all parties with good knowledge on capabilities of the Iranian experts are to welcome it, Salehi said.

The first phase of the plan was to go into commission in 2020 but due to some obstacles, it was postponed and is to generate about 500 megawatt of energy through ITER (Nuclear Fusion).

According to clause three of the JCPOA, the G5+1 are committed to help Iran to attain advanced technology know-how, he said.

Some days ago, six ITER experts from France visited Iran and are exchanging views with Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to make preparatory works for Iranian experts to join ITER, Salehi said.

It is expected to witness remarkable development in the field thanks to the support made by the Iranian government, he said.

Obstacles preventing Iran to join ITER have been removed and the country will be officially join the group, Salehi said.

On sale of heavy-water reactor (PHWR), he said the deal with Russia will be signed in the near future.

Steps are to be finalized for sale of 40 tons of heavy-water reactor to Russia and the deal will be signed in the very near future, Salehi said.

By IRNA