Iran supplies research reactor with homemade nuclear fuel

Iranian nuclear experts have successfully supplied Tehran Research Reactor with two batches of standard indigenous fuel plates, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says.

One of the two batches, after the measurement of its mass and critical condition, has been placed into the heart of the reactor for test purposes, the AEOI announced on Tuesday.

The reactor is planned to receive two batches of fuel per month and the process will continue with the aim of providing the entire fuel required by the reactor to produce radiopharmaceuticals and industrial isotopes.

In early April, AEOI officials said Iranian researchers have succeeded in producing fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor.

On February 15, Iran placed the first indigenous fuel rods into the heart of the Tehran Research Reactor. The fuel rods were produced at the Isfahan nuclear facility and transferred to the Tehran Research Reactor under the supervision of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors.

By placing nuclear plates into the Tehran reactor, Iran has taken the final step in completing the nuclear fuel cycle.