Baeidi-Nejad: Complex Operation of Transferring Uranium to Russia Completed

The Director General of Political Affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry states that the 'very complex' operation of transferring 11 tons of Iran's uranium reserves, waste, and fuel plates to Russia, with the help and coordination of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Norway, 'has been completed.' Previously, John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, welcomed Iran's actions to transfer a significant portion of its low-enriched uranium. These actions are part of the agreements made between Tehran and six world powers under the framework of the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action' (JCPOA). According to IRNA news agency, this operation was carried out 'over two months' in coordination with Russia and Kazakhstan, with Norway and Azerbaijan also playing significant roles. This senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official wrote on his Instagram page that a total of '11 tons' of 'excess enriched uranium reserves, waste related to uranium plates, and produced fuel plates' were sold to Russia, and in return, '197 tons of yellowcake' were purchased. Previously, Ali Akbar Salehi had also reported the sale of 'about 11 tons of surplus enriched uranium' to Russia and the receipt of '200 tons of yellowcake.' The concentrated uranium oxide, generally used for producing nuclear reactor fuel, is known as yellowcake. Reports from Iran indicate that the 'JCPOA' requires Iran to transfer its enriched uranium reserves to Russia, except for 300 kilograms. According to IRNA, Mr. Baeidi-Nejad described the 'yellowcake' purchased from Kazakhstan and Russia as 'the highest quality type of imports' of this kind to Iran. According to this Iranian Foreign Ministry official, the import of yellowcake from these two countries is taking place for the first time since the 1979 revolution; the last import of yellowcake occurred before the revolution and was from South Africa. The U.S. Secretary of State stated on December 28 that with the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium to Russia, Iran's 'breakout time' would increase from two to three months to six to nine months.