Salehi: Iran Received About 200 Tons of Yellowcake from Russia

Following the U.S. Secretary of State's welcome of the transfer of a significant portion of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to Russia, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization announced that "one or two days ago" approximately 11 tons of enriched uranium were "exported" to Russia and about 197 tons of yellowcake were imported from this country. According to Tasnim News Agency, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, stated on Tuesday, December 29, that based on the Supreme Leader's directive for implementing the Vienna nuclear agreement, Iran first received yellowcake and then "exported" its uranium. Mr. Salehi expressed hope that after the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium to Russia, the Vienna nuclear agreement would be "operational" as soon as possible and all Western sanctions against Iran would be lifted. The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to Russia on Monday. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed the transfer of a significant portion of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to Russia, referring to this action as one of the most important steps in fulfilling Tehran's commitments under the Vienna nuclear agreement. Under the agreement reached on July 14 between Iran and the P5+1 group, Tehran must reduce its low-enriched uranium stockpile to about 300 kilograms. Iran must also deactivate and store most of its centrifuges and remove the heavy water reactor core from Arak. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, stated in a letter to the Iranian President regarding the implementation of the Vienna nuclear agreement that actions concerning the redesign of the Arak heavy water reactor and the exchange of existing enriched uranium for yellowcake were only permissible when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announces the "end" of the investigation into the possible military dimensions of Iran's nuclear program. On December 15, the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution closing the case regarding Iran's attempts to develop nuclear weapons. In this context, the "transfer of 9 tons" of Iran's enriched uranium to Russia is expected to begin in the coming days, as well as the start of the IAEA's review process regarding the collection of Iran's centrifuges. The U.S. welcomes the transfer of Iran's enriched uranium to Russia.