Iran produces two new medical radioisotopes

In line with the peaceful aims of Iran’s nuclear activities, Iranian scientists have produced two new radioisotopes for medical treatment.

The two new radioisotopes are rhenium-186 and samarium-153, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Deputy Director Mohammad Qannadi said on Monday.

Qannadi announced that clinical trials of the radioisotopes were successful.

Mass production of the radioisotopes will begin after the Health Ministry issues the necessary licenses, he added.

He went on to say that the radioisotopes will be used in the diagnosis and treatment of a number of cancers.

Iran is currently seeking to obtain 20-percent enriched uranium for the Tehran research reactor, which produces radioisotopes for medical purposes.

Tehran says it is ready to purchase the enriched uranium from Russia, France, the United States, or any other supplier.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made an official statement on Wednesday about a proposal put forward by the major powers in Geneva on October 19.

According to the proposal, Iran would ship the bulk of its low-enriched uranium stockpile out of the country in exchange for metal fuel rods for the Tehran medical research reactor.

Iran has said that it would accept the essential elements of the international proposal but also seeks modifications to the formula.