Russia, Iran to Expand Cooperation in Peaceful Nuclear Energy

WASHINGTON (Sputnik), Leandra Bernstein — Asked if Russia and Iran would expand their cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was agreed to, Moniz stated, "The answer is yes.”

"Russia is taking some responsibilities in this agreement…for example, they are working to do the conversion of Fordow to stable isotopes,” Moniz continued.

Under the nuclear agreement with Iran reached on July 14, Tehran must convert its Fordow nuclear facility to be used exclusively for peaceful, scientific purposes.

The underground Fordow nuclear facility will not be used for enrichment of nuclear materials, research and development for enrichment, and no fissile materials will be allowed in the facility, according to the US negotiators.

The Fordow facility will be allowed to produce stable isotopes that can be applied to medicine, agriculture, geochemistry, and other fields.

Until the end of the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 countries — the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, and Germany — there was speculation on what role Russia would play in the Fordow conversion.

The US leadership has repeatedly applauded Russia for its productive role in nearly two years of continuous negotiations to ensure Iran does not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.

sputniknews.com