Response of the Atomic Energy Organization to Criticism of Heavy Water Surplus Sales

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has rejected reports from principlist media regarding the cheap sale of heavy water to other countries, emphasizing that Iran can retain its surplus heavy water until a suitable buyer is found. The news website Mashregh reported on June 6 that since Iran's surplus heavy water has no buyers in the international market, the Islamic Republic is forced to offer it cheaply or even for free to Western countries. The report also quoted Reza Taghizadeh, a political analyst based in Britain, stating that according to the JCPOA, if Iran's surplus heavy water is not sold, it must be dumped into the sea. However, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran reiterated that 'the Islamic Republic is only committed to offering its surplus heavy water to global markets under the JCPOA, and if there is no suitable buyer, the surplus can remain under Iran's control without a time limit until a contract is signed and delivery is made.' The organization also explained that currently, this product is traded in 10-gram packages at a price equivalent to $2,000 per kilogram, and its price can increase several times based on weight. Mashregh reported that Iran sold each kilogram of its surplus heavy water for about $269. The media also reflected a quote from Ahmad Bakhshaei Ardestani, a member of the National Security Commission of the 9th Parliament, who claimed that Iran sold its surplus heavy water much lower than the global price, around $273, while each liter of heavy water is priced between $700 to $2,000. Previously, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to prohibit the purchase of heavy water from Iran. Iran has also expressed doubts about selling this product to the U.S., but ultimately, the spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran stated on June 3 that U.S. commitments to purchase heavy water are being implemented.