Fars: What are future programs of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran?
Dr. Salehi: One of the major aims of this organization is the implementation of previous programs. Because the programs and activities which had been initiated before now in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran are quite enough to make every newly appointed chief in this organization busy for a long time. The new administrative team in the Atomic Energy Organization has a new outlook towards international issues which is to focus on the development of nuclear industry and innovations within the boundaries of this science. This outlook is in the context of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s objectives, declaring that we are not supposed to get diverted from Iran’s main agenda. It is also based on the same plan and context that have been specifically designed for related issues to the nuclear industry. For instance since I have been appointed as the head of The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, there were some minor problems between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over the issue of inspection. We decided to solve these problems within the context of our commitments and not accept anything beyond our legal obligations. Before that, there were debates about the decreasing of the level of our cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency; however, I reiterate that we should act within the context of our legal obligations. As a result, our safeguard disputes with IAEA were completely worked out and fortunately as it has been reflected in the past two IAEA reports there is no longer any unresolved issue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency over safeguard collaborations, which means that we have no problem with IAEA’s inspections from our nuclear sites and facilities. The only demand that the agency is still focused on is the issue of “claimed studies.” During his tenure as the director general of International Atomic Energy Agency, Moahmmad Al-Barradei, the former head of the Agency, resisted against the inclusion of this issue within IAEA’ s report. As it has been reflected in IAEA’s report, these “studies” are not genuine and legitimate issues.In fact, they should be passed through specific procedures in order to be considered as genuine and legitimate issues. According to its principles and agenda, the Islamic Republic of Iran will abide by its international obligations and act according to these principles. We also decided to continue various nuclear activities that had been started before and came to this conclusion that these activities should be pursued in a persistent manner. In other words, Iran’s nuclear activities are internationally acknowledged now and we have passed critical stages of these activities. Therefore, we are obliged to focus on the continuation of these works. At the same time, we have installed enough number of centrifuges in our nuclear facilities.
Dr. Salehi: Currently, no country possesses this kind of technology in its commercial or industrial sense. Japan has also carried out researches about nuclear fusion. There is an international project which is focused on nuclear fusion technology and some countries are participating in this project. This project was supposed to be implemented in Japan and several industrial states, such as the United States, France, United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy were due to participate in this project. Later on, French authorities insisted on the implementation of the above – mentioned project in their own country and, as a result, industrialized states accepted that this project should be put into practice in France. China, Russia and India joined this project too. Therefore, a set of 10 to 12 countries are actively participating in this project. They intend to construct the first welding or fusion power plant in France. This project is a multi -billion dollar project which will be considered as the first model of welding or fusion power plant in the world. However, it is estimated that the construction of such a power plant can take one or two decades. At the same time, it should be pointed out that even if constructed, such a power plant will be nothing but an experimental model. The identification of defects and faults of this power plant can take about 15 years, after the process of identification of defects and shortcomings, this project can be implemented in an industrial scale. I have had some negotiations with Dr. Jalili about issues that can be raised with the Japanese. The Japanese are interested in nuclear technology collaborations with Iranians. However, they do want to cooperate with us in all different aspects of nuclear activities. They are generally pursuing a conservative policy throughout the world, so due to their conservative international policies, they are keen to cooperate with the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of nuclear safety. For they believe that cooperation in this field is beneficial for the whole international community. But, why the Japanese are so much fascinated with collaborating with us in the field of nuclear safety? The answer is quite clear; the Japanese are aware of this fact that consequences of any unfavorable accident in a nuclear power plant will not be limited to the boundaries of the country in which that nuclear power plant is located. This was the phenomenon that the global community witnessed in the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe. Radioactive waves do not recognize any boundaries and any nuclear incident in one specific place can affect the whole international community. Also in the field of nuclear safety, Norway is providing us with financial support. It has also cooperated with us in training human forces. Despite the fact that Norway is a western country and is not so much sympathetic towards us in the nuclear issue, they are interested in cooperation with us in the field of nuclear safety. The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is a giant project, therefore, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the International Atomic Energy Organization, Russia and other countries, such as Norway and probably Japan will cooperate with each other in this respect. This cooperation will be focused on the safety of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in order to provide maximum guarantees for the security of this nuclear power plant and prevent any nuclear accident in the future. I can claim that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant will be one of the safest nuclear power plants that are under construction in the world. We have paid special attention to the safety of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. After being appointed as the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, I have always put a high value to the safety of this nuclear power plant and the safety of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is one of my high priorities. We have no intention to inaugurate the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant immaturely and ignore the safety of this power plant. For instance, we have recently accomplished the 250th test of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. And made Russians postpone this test for 10 to 15 days, because we wanted them to comply with our own safety and security standards. Due to the safety standards radiographic pictures were taken from all welding procedures. Also a safety document for these welding is formulated according to our own Safety System. Fortunately, the formulation of this document had so many advantages for us, because we realized that some welding had not been carried out properly. I want to assure the Iranian nation that the safety of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is our major concern and we would welcome any cooperation with any country in this issue. Norway has contributed to us in the field of nuclear safety and we are hopeful that the Japanese will do likewise. In a meeting with the Japanese ambassador in Tehran, I expressed our preparedness for negotiating with Tokyo about nuclear safety. Because Iran and Japan have deep-rooted and historical relations with each other and Iranians do not hold any negative perceptions about Japan. For them the Japanese nation is a very respectful nation and they believe that the Japanese had been tyrannized, especially during the World War II. Therefore, we welcome any cooperation with them, because the Japanese government is a politically independent government in the international arena. On the other hand, we realize that Japanese have their own peculiar considerations, as a result of which they behave conservatively. I pointed out to the Japanese ambassador in Tehran that if they (the Japanese) hesitate longer, they will be substituted by others. I reiterated that we had demanded no nuclear technology from Japan; rather, we want to cooperate with the Japanese over the issue of nuclear safety and take advantage of their experiences in this field. Fortunately, unlike the current nuclear industry, there are no concern and anxiety about nuclear fusion technology. In addition, the world community is assured that the nuclear fusion technology cannot be used for the production of nuclear weapons. We are also ready to conclude agreements with the Japanese for cooperation in the field of nuclear fusion technology and I have reflected these considerations to Dr. Jalili.
Fars: You have pointed out that you will announce good tidings about the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in future. Are we approaching to the inauguration of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in the near future?
Fars: How many more tests should be fulfilled in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant before it is inaugurated?
Dr. Salehi: We have nearly three more tests before the inauguration of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. One of these tests is the test of metal dome of the power plant. It is a very simple test. As you may know, the heart of a nuclear power plant is located in a metal global container. This global container should be tested under a 5-atmosphere pressure in order to get assured of its strength. The other test is the 110th test, and finally we have the final warm-water test before starting the operation in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
Fars: It has been announced that Iranian nation will receive good news about the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. It has been reported that this nuclear power plant will be inaugurated during early months of the next Iranian year (starting from March 21). Do you approve this report?
Dr. Salehi: We have formulated a time-table in collaboration with Russians and move forward according to that schedule. We are even a little bit further than this planned time-table. However, I am not inclined to determine a specific date for the inauguration of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. We want to be as honest and transparent as possible with our nation. We do not want to specify a date without any accreditation. We have repeatedly heard that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant will be inaugurated in this or that date but nothing has happened and we are still waiting for the inauguration of this power plant. We should refrain from giving such promises that blur the image of Iranian authorities among the nation. If we are not faced with any specific problem, we expect the inauguration of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant during coming months. Here, I would like to provide you with an example of Russian’s sensitivity towards this issue: We have 4 basic pumps. When we were carrying out the 250th test, one of these pumps was encountered with a problem, but this problem was solved. Then another pump was run into problem, this problem was not solved. Nonetheless the Russians could carry out the 250th test with 3 pumps and they completed the test. Nevertheless, these pumps are very sensitive and important equipments in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Currently, Russians are trying to fix this problem through adopting three parallel and simultaneous approaches. In one of these approaches, they use Iranian resources in order to get rid of the defect of that pump. Russians, however, take advantage of their own industry in the remaining two approaches. We are hopeful to have the fourth pump in the circuit by the time that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is going to be inaugurated.
Fars: What is your assessment about the Majlis investigations of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant?
Dr. Salehi: I have heard nothing about Majlis’ investigations of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Some MPs have raised this issue in the Energy Commission of the Majlis. Of course, this is the personal idea of these MPs. A couple of days ago, I attended the session of the Energy Commission of the Majlis and provided the members of this commission with a detailed description of the status of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. And there was no specific problem in that session. During the past few months that I have been working as the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, I have attended the Energy Commission of the Majlis for two or three times. I have also participated in the meetings of the Foreign Policy and National Society Commission of the Majlis for two or three times. In other words, I have met with MPs almost two times a month. During these meetings, I have informed MPs of the latest developments in the nuclear issue. However, if the Majlis desires to investigate about the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant there is no problem in this regard and we welcome any investigation. Investigation is attained for identifying the weaknesses and strengths. This is a very good procedure and we welcome any investigation. But everything goes on gradually and there is no specific problem over this aspect.
Fars: Have the locations of the 10 new enrichment sites been identified?
Dr. Salehi: We have fulfilled the primary identification of locations for 5 new enrichment sites. At the same time, the identification process for 5 other enrichment sites is going on. We have formulated about 12 pre-conditions for locations of new enrichment sites. We are trying to spread these sites throughout the country. If we were not ancountered with threats and political pressures of our enemies at the international arena, we would not persist on the production of fuel of our potential nuclear power plants within our own country. If they had complied with their own nuclear commitments, we would have shown no interest in producing nuclear fuel domestically. We wanted to prove our own capability in producing nuclear fuel within our borders. We intended to import the rest of our required nuclear fuel from abroad based on international trade interactions. Unfortunately, we feel that we cannot count on the internationally guaranteed provision of nuclear fuel. However, it should be pointed out that these new enrichment sites cannot be constructed upon the decision to construct them. Their construction process can last several years. For instance, the Natanz Enrichment Site was constructed during several years. So, we cannot assume that the construction of these 10 new enrichment sites will come to an end within two or three coming years. We should specify a logical time for meeting our need to nuclear fuel in the future, and we should do our best to create the capacity for producing enough nuclear fuel for further nuclear power plant which will be constructed in the country in the future. Unfortunately, sometimes we witness some individual politicians in neighboring countries who make controversial statements about Iranian nuclear activities, the statements that are politically motivated. For instance, an Iraqi official, who is apparently responsible for environmental issues of his country, has recently complained that Iran intends to construct a nuclear power plant near Iraqi border. This was widely reflected in western media. Nevertheless, we should bear in mind that these sites are not nuclear power plants; rather, they are enrichment facilities. Trying to imply that such a power plant has already been constructed near the Iraqi border, the above-mentioned Iraqi official was stating that this alleged nuclear power plant has started its operations and exposes Iraqi people to harmful radioactive emissions. He tried to suggest that these radioactive emissions could crate physical and health problems for coming generations in Iraq. I am so much surprised that a high-ranking Iraqi official makes such politically motivated statements. We want the Iraqi government to stop such baseless and controversial statements. Iran and Iraq have good relations with each other and such provocative statements will certainly end in further mistrust between the two countries. Therefore, if the Iraqi government has concluded that these remarks are baseless, it should acknowledge it very explicitly and reprimand the official who has uttered them. We are working on the identification of the location of 10 uranium enrichment sites. The cabinet has given us a 2 – month deadline for the identification of these locations. We have provided the President with a primary report in this respect and we are hopeful to present our next report to him as soon as possible.
Fars: If it is convenient for you, please tell us about the 5 sites whose locations have been identified.
Fars: Thank you very much for your interview with the Fars News Agency.
Dr. Salehi: I do not want to announce anything definitely, unless I am quite confident about it. I am trying to talk according to facts and realities. And this is characteristic of mine and I cannot change it. This characteristic has been one of my major advantages at diplomatic arenas. When I had some diplomatic responsibilities in Vienna or in Jeddah, my words attracted the international confidence. All this was due to the existence of such a characteristic. Therefore, when I said that the West is lying in this regard, I really mean it, because they are really lying. Thus, if I say anything, it is based on realities and facts. Otherwise, it is better to keep quiet and say nothing. I talk within the context of the expediency of the Islamic system and the Iranian nation. I try to preserve the three principles of dignity, wisdom, and expediency. We never claim that we produce the best centrifuges of the world, and you will never hear it from me. However, I humbly announce that we have produced centrifuges. We also never claim that our UCF is the best in the world; but we believe that our nuclear industry is complete and we are at the beginning of our path. For instance, Japan’s nuclear industry is perfect. Ours is not comparable to that of the Japanese. But it is not a serious problem. Industry grows and develops within the time. When you start your own car-making industry, you should not expect to produce the best kinds of cars in the world. In fact, the first car makers of the world started their own industry nearly one hundred years ago. This is also the case in the nuclear issue. The world has a 70-year experience in the field of nuclear technology, but we have entered into this domain for only 20 years. Therefore, we cannot claim that our nuclear technology rivals that of the most advanced countries of the world. However, we can claim that Iran is the only Islamic country that simultaneously possesses uranium conversion technology, enrichment technology, uranium exploration and extraction knowledge, reactor designing and construction knowledge, radio-medicine production potentials, etc. and we are moving forward with an appropriate pace.
Fars: Is there anything specific you want to mention?
Dr. Salehi: Dr. Saeidi is one of the best personnels in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. He has currently been appointed as an advisor to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Dr. Saeidi is also active in another area. He is working in a project entitled “Construction of New Reactors.” This project is also one of the major projects in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. According to ratifications of the Majlis and the Supreme Council of Atomic Energy, we are supposed to establish new nuclear power plants, like the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, in the city of Bushehr. This is a very tremendous project. For the implementation of this project, we require a person who can work on it on a full time basis. Considering Dr. Saeidi’s experiences, I negotiated with him and realized that he can cooperate in this project. And he will work on this project. Dr. Saeidi will cooperate in another filed, too, which is also related to energy. He will have some responsibility in that field. Further information in this regard will be provided at an appropriate time. However, Dr. Saeidi will be focused on the issue of new nuclear power plants.
Fars: As the last question, I want you to explain about Mr. Saeidi’s resignation. It has been reported that he has resigned, but his resignation has not been accepted. Would you affirm this issue?
Dr. Salehi: I do not know anything about the origin and the source of this story. Shahram Amiri has even never been an employee of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. We did not intend to deal with this issue in order to prevent any misunderstanding in this regard. I declare that Mr. Shahram Amiri has had no relationship with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Even, I do not know who Mr. Amiri is.
Fars: There are some argumentations about Mr. Shahram Amiri, the Iranian national who was disappeared in Saudi Arabia. Some people argue that he has been an Iranian nuclear scientist. Do you approve this argumentation?
Dr. Salehi: This means that these experts are not obliged to work for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran permanently. In other words, any person who is employed in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is not committed to work for this organization forever.
Fars: What do you mean by the “present period” of these experts?
Dr. Salehi: The average age of our nuclear experts is between 28 to 30 years. There are thousands of nuclear experts in our country. Different industries are competing with each other for recruiting our nuclear experts, because experts who work with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran are quite familiar with the nuclear technology and have proper technical and industrial experiences in this regard. We also welcome the presence of our nuclear experts in other industries. We have no intention to accumulate a group of nuclear experts in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, or detach them from the rest of the world and enforce them to work with our organization until the end of their lives. We have an input, an output and a “present period” for our experts in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Upon their introduction into other industries, these experts contribute to the growth and development of those industries. Our experiences have so far proven this argumentation.
Fars: How many nuclear experts are in the country and what is their average age?
Dr. Salehi: Trade, industrial and technological interactions throughout the world are completely integrated with each other. For instance, it is commonly believed that the United States is 100 percent self-sufficient in the production of airplanes, which is a wrong perception. Since, all countries are dependent on each other in industrial, commercial and cultural issues. It is very difficult for a single country to be completely dependent on its own resources. No country can meet all its requirements independently. Of course, China has extensive potential capabilities and its officials act according to their own expediency. Despite the fact that sanctions are associated with negative consequences, I believe that they are not effective enough to stop us from moving forward in the path that we have adopted. This is a very important point. These sanctions reveal the fact that the West is lying about everything. When I was the Iranian representative in the International Atomic Energy Agency, I had a meeting with British, French and German ambassadors. In that meeting, I reminded these western officials that the nuclear issue is gradually going out of the hand of the Iranian government and the Iranian people would inevitably assume its responsibility. When the people would be in charge of an issue, nobody can make a decision. And, it was really the case.
Fars: It has been rumored that if China does not join international sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran can replace Beijing instead of other trading partners that will participate in sanctions. What is your idea in this view?
Dr. Salehi: Of course, every sanction is associated with some negative effects. We cannot claim that sanctions will have no effect on us. However, these sanctions will not leave harsh and sever effects on our country as well, because Iran is a big and a populous country and enjoys huge potentials and significant capabilities. In addition, our country has experienced major industrial and agricultural developments during the past three decades. Therefore, imposing such sanctions will not be so much effective on the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have common boundaries with more than 10 countries, and it is not easy to impose sanctions on our country. At the same time, we do not welcome any such sanctions. Sanctions will certainly have one outcome: they will reveal the real wish of governments who advocate these restrictions. These governments claim that they do not wish to hurt the Iranian nation, but they pursue their own objectives through imposing all possible sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. If they impose the export of gasoline to Iran, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, for instance, can provide his required gasoline in one way or another; however, the common people will be the real sufferers from such sanctions. At the same time, I should reiterate that such sanctions contributed to the Islamic Republic of Iran to obtain nuclear technology. Due to these sanctions, our country was faced with numerous problems for purchasing equipments that were necessary for nuclear activities. We had to buy equipments at higher prices and spend more time. Nevertheless, we moved forward and did not stop. Sanctions neither can force us to give up nor compel us to capitulate. It is true that sanctions have consequences and create problems ,but we can tolerate them.
Fars: What is your assessment about the ratification of sanctions against Iran in the US Congress?
Dr. Salehi: The UCF plant is engaged in converting the uranium. Converting the uranium ore into yellow cake is one of the major processes in the cycle of nuclear fuel production. It is now undergoing the final phases of maintenance and reconstruction.
Fars: What are latest developments in Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) in Isfahan?
Dr. Salehi: At the moment I can provide no reliable figures. Although, exploration for finding out uranium mines throughout the country is one of the major priorities in the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the explorations have not been completed yet. So far, little exploration activities have been done for finding uranium mines throughout the country. Currently, the government supports these exploration activities and has provided necessary financial resources in this way. Here, I express my thanks to the government for such supports. Uranium exploration activities in Iran can last for 10 to 12 years. Thus, for this purpose, all regions of the country will be explored in order to identify appropriate places for uranium mining. In fact, a uranium mine is a place from which uranium can be extracted with proper prices and at proper conditions. In other words, the term “uranium mine” refers to a place from which uranium can be pulled out at economic conditions. For instance, it is possible to extract uranium from seas and oceans, but the process will be a very expensive and costly process. The amount of uranium that exists in seas and oceans are much more than the amount of uranium that exists in lands. The amount of uranium in the sea is nearly one thousand times more than that of the land. However, as it was pointed out earlier, the extraction of uranium from seas and oceans is very expensive. Currently, we have a mine in Bandar Abbas for producing yellow cake. Our next uranium mine will hopefully be operational in Saghand (in Yazd Province) during coming years.
Fars: How much uranium does Iran have in its reservoirs? How many active uranium mines do exist in the country?
Dr. Salehi: Of Course, currently the 360-megawatt nuclear reactor in Darkhovein is passing through basic planning phases and everything in this project goes on very well.
Fars: Is the 360-megawatt nuclear reactor in Darkhovein included in the development programs of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran?
Dr. Salehi: We have chosen the Kish Island because traveling to this island is easier for foreigners. If the proposal for exchanging the enriched uranium in the Kish Island is accepted and the International Atomic Energy Agency assumes the mandatory role in this regard, the Agency officials and inspectors will be required to make frequent travels to the Island. In addition, traveling to Kish will be easier than traveling to other parts of Iran, because there are fewer visa restrictions at this island.
Fars: Why the Kish Island?
Dr. Salehi: The proposal for the exchange of 400 kg of low enriched uranium in the Kish Island is not a new proposal. We have announced that any exchange of enriched uranium should be carried out within Iranian boundaries. They claim that the exchange of uranium can be carried out outside Iranian boundaries under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. They argue that the Agency can guarantee this process. But we cannot approve this logic. In other words, they argue that for the first time in its history, the International Atomic Energy Agency will be the guarantor of nuclear fuel exchange. It is an unprecedented incident that the International Atomic Energy Agency and its 150 member-states are going to guarantee the exchange of nuclear fuel. In fact, the International Atomic Energy Agency guarantees that this fuel will remain under its mandate until the time of exchange. However, we argue that if you consider the International Atomic Energy Agency as an accredited international entity, why do not you agree with the exchange of enriched uranium within our own borders? For instance, we are ready to submit our low enriched uranium to the Agency in the Kish Island and after receiving nuclear fuel, they can take this batch of low enriched uranium from this Island.
Fars: Mr. Mottaki, Iranian minister of foreign affairs, has recently announced Tehran’s preparedness for the exchange of 400 kg of low enriched uranium in the Kish Island. Would you please explain about this?
Dr. Salehi: We have announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran prefers to purchase the required fuel for Tehran Research Reactor from abroad and, of course, under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. By this prioritization we want to convey this political message that Iran, as before, will continue its extensive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. This shows that Tehran is interested in adopting further confidence-building measures and showing more transparency in its nuclear activities. Currently, there are two camps in the west that are focused on Iranian nuclear issue. One camp is interested in finding out a solution for Iranian nuclear issue. This group believes that the continuation of such an issue is not compatible with its own interests. The members of this camp were once able to take political advantage of Iranian nuclear issue; however, they have recently realized that they can no longer take political advantage from this issue. Therefore, they are seriously searching for finding a solution for the Iranian nuclear issue. The other camp is the international Zionism, which is present in the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. This camp is not so much interested in finding a solution to this issue. The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on the three principles of “dignity”, “wisdom”, and “expediency.” Accordingly, we have been patient and tolerant in political issues. We will, of course, continue the same procedure. Meanwhile, dishonest international anxieties cannot affect our decisions. The Zionist camp is seriously trying to create a condition for us in which we are forced to abandon the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Of course, we will not abandon this treaty, because we have realized what malicious objectives they are pursuing. In fact, we believe that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has no contradiction with our national interests, And despite its defects, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is a very valuable international treaty which can play an effective role in bringing about peace and stability for the world community. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty can be a very good instrument for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. At the same time, politicians can take advantage of this treaty for pursuing the global objective of nuclear disarmament. Iran’s proposal for the exchange of nuclear fuel is a logical proposal and we have no substitute for it. In other words, if we had not been so much distrustful towards the West, we would never have proposed such a bid. Our proposal is a logical proposal; hence, once again I should reiterate that no substitute can be found out for it. Our proposal for the exchange of nuclear fuel has been formulated according to bad records of western governments in their nuclear dealings with our country. Americans were the first partners that breached their nuclear agreements with Iran. They were supposed to provide us with fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor. We have paid the money for the purchase of this fuel, but the United States has provided no fuel for us. They have even refrained from returning the money that we have paid for the purchase of this nuclear fuel. The second western partner who did not comply with their mutual agreements with Iran was France. Since some 30 years ago, the French have been supposed to provide us with 50 tons of uranium, but they did not do anything. Germany was the third western country that did not observe its nuclear agreements with Iran. Therefore, these countries should not expect us to be totally confident in their words and agreements. How can they expect us to be grateful to them, despite all these breaches of agreements and non – compliances with international treaties? We believe that the international situation has changed. At the same time, we are not eager to repeat past mistakes with the West. Therefore, we have proposed to the West to provide us with nuclear fuel and we, in return, will submit 3.5 percent enriched uranium to them.
Fars: Is there any other alternative approach for exchanging the fuel for Tehran Research Reactor?
Dr. Salehi: The Heavy Water Reactor of Arak is a completely indigenous project. Of course, this science or technology is not our invention. We have obtained it through taking advantage of existing sciences. We have utilized various scientific resources. For instance, we have had scientific consultations with foreign companies for constructing the 360-megawatt reactor. Two Swiss companies cooperated with us in this regard, because the construction of this kind of reactor is not subject to sanctions. Basically, we produced designs for this project and the Swiss companies were invited to assess our designs. In fact, we wanted the approval of an authorized international entity for our designs. Fortunately, about 80 percent of these designs have been approved by one of these Swiss companies. But the Swiss company has stopped its cooperation with us since nearly one and a half month ago. Its authorities have announced that they have been under pressure to stop their collaboration with Islamic Republic of Iran. We have reflected this issue to the International Atomic Energy Agency. We also informed the Swiss company that we will provide them with necessary information and they should be assured that their cooperation will not be subject to sanctions. Therefore, they stopped their collaborations in this subject, and we are still pursuing our plans with the 360-megawatt reactor in Darkhovein.
Fars: Are foreign experts participating in this project?
Dr. Salehi: The Heavy Water Reactor of Arak is one of the prestigious projects at national level in our own country. The construction of such a reactor was a heroic action and I should avail myself of this opportunity and express my thanks and gratitude to those who have been actively involved in the construction of the Heavy Water Reactor of Arak. Fortunately everything goes on smoothly in the Heavy Water Reactor of Arak and all vital problems in this reactor have been solved. Therefore, we can declare that the Heavy Water Reactor of Arak will be operational 3 to 4 years later. We have made some decisions about the Heavy Water Reactor of Arak. Currently, our efforts are focused on producing two types of fuel for this reactor: One type is the non-real fuel which is similar to the real fuel, and we are currently trying to produce this type of fuel in order to test the reactor with this fuel. We also are trying to produce another type of fuel which is real fuel. The real and the non-real fuels are apparently like each other, but their content is different. In the production of real fuel, uranium tablets are placed within a cover; however, uranium tablets have no cover in the non – real fuel.
Fars: Can you explain about the Heavy Water Reactor of Arak? Is it going to be operational in near future?
Dr. Salehi: According to our assessments, the construction cost of new enrichment sites in the country is far less than those of our first enrichment facility (the Natanz Enrichment Facility). Before, Iran had no experience about this issue, but currently all machineries and equipments, which are required for constructing uranium enrichment facilities, exist in the country. In other words, we can construct our new enrichment sites with lower expenses than before.
Fars: What are financial assessments of The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran for constructing these 10 new uranium enrichment sites?
Dr. Salehi: We will provide information about the location of these sites at an appropriate time. These sites and nuclear facilities will not be secret or covert; rather, they are huge uranium enrichment plants that will work within the context of our international obligations. I think it is not so much necessary to announce in advance where we will establish our new uranium enrichment sites. However, we will inform the International Atomic Energy Agency of these enrichment plants according to our internationally accepted commitment. I think the Iranian nation understands the fact that it is not necessary to provide the precise address of these sites at this moment.
Dr. Salehi: We have, in collaboration with Russians, formulated a time – table for operational activities of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and fortunately are far beyond the scheduled time – table. Currently, there are more than 2400 Russian experts in Bushehr. However, this number is always fluctuating. We have never had this number of Russian experts in our country before. In addition, near to 1200 Iranian experts are cooperating with these Russians. The presence of this number of Russian experts in Iran is an indicator of Moscow’s strong determination for cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Of course, these Russian experts are stationed here within the context of protocols that have been formulated about the safety of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. We will never ignore safety measures that should be observed in this nuclear power plant. Observing these safety measures is a very vital issue for us and we cannot ignore them in order to inaugurate the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant one or two months sooner. We can even postpone the inauguration procedures for several months for getting assured of these safety measures. Establishing and operating the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is an important issue for us; however, proper utilization of such a facility and observing safety measures is even a more important issue. We have no intention to create problems for our citizens; rather, we intend to provide them with services that are safe and secured. In other words, I want to assure everybody that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is one of safest nuclear reactors throughout the world. I dare say that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has been constructed according to accepted safety standards and the International Atomic Energy Agency is supervising over this issue. I should assure the Iranian nation and our neighbors in the Persian Gulf that the maximum safety measures and standards have been observed in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. In order to become assured in this respect, our neighbors in the Persian Gulf area can consult with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Sometimes, even mass media in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf region acknowledge that safety standards have been observed in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. In addition, experts of these countries realize that this nuclear power plant will be a safe one. We have some criticisms to make about our friends in the Persian Gulf region, for the rumors they are propagating in the region to introduce nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran as harmful to peace and stability in the region, which is not true. The Persian Gulf states are aware of the fact that appropriate safety measures have been adopted in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Even their representatives in the International Atomic Energy Agency have access to necessary information in this regard. If they are doubtful about our claims regarding safety measures adopted in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, they can refer to the International Atomic Energy Agency and find out the truthfulness of these claims. If the International Atomic Energy Agency declares officially that there is lack of safety measures in any section of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, we will certainly inquire from the Agency’s officials and try to solve those alleged safety problems and security defects. Unfortunately, sometimes the really fraudulent media in the west publish news and reports about our nuclear activities that are totally and categorically baseless. They publish false news and reports in order to exert political pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran; One day, they write about the lack of safety and security measures in the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant; the other day, they claim that the Islamic Republic of Iran is testing the trigger of the nuclear bomb. Claims that are raised against Iranian nuclear activities are becoming so absurd that some of them might even relate tsunamis in Indonesia to Iranian underground explosions. Western media make such baseless accusations without being ashamed of them. I am very surprised that these western media raise these accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran. On the eve of their invasion to Iraq, the western media lied about Iraqi nuclear activities. They circulated a document in the United Nations Security Council claiming that Iraqi authorities have purchased uranium and nuclear material from Niger. They maneuvered over this false document in a way that global public opinion became convinced that Iraq is pursuing a nuclear weaponry program. Later on, it became clear that this document has been a fake document and the western propaganda machine has been lying about the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Unfortunately, the west has extensive media power and lies to the public opinion and repeats those lies permanently.
Dr. Salehi: It is perhaps too soon to talk about fusion power plans at this stage. This is the final goal that we are following in our initiatives. Basically, we are focused on different sections of a fusion power plant right now and are concentrated on the heart of the issue that includes methods of plasma production and maintenance. We are trying to find out how to produce plasma in a sustainable manner and how to clarify all these developments that are obtained in this field. All these issues indicate that we are still at the beginning of a big process. Production of required magnetic devices and fabrication of necessary containers for plasma production, as well as, the required containers for the source of favorite plasma are some of other activities that we are supposed to go after. Currently, we are not focused on manufacturing a fully commercial nuclear fusion power plant during one or two coming decades. Rather, during coming years we plan to work on various sections and segments of such a power plant. I can clarify this issue by providing you an example; suppose you are trying to get involved in the automobile industry, but you are reluctant to produce cars at the moment. You pursue your targets by organizing different industrial groups with concentration on some specific aspects of the auto-industry. For instance, one group will be focused on the engine production and try to get specialized in this field. Another might get involved in the production of gear-box and carry out specific studies on this aspect. Yet, there might be another group that is focused on gaining expertise about chassis of the car. These different groups might need two or three decades to achieve their favorable objectives and obtain necessary experiences in their specific field of study. At that juncture, these different groups will be able to aggregate their findings and embark on the assembly of cars and start their own specific auto-industry. We need all these different groups in order to get actively involved in this industry. For instance, our auto-industry will be fairly deficient without the expert group of car engine production. We are pursuing a similar approach in the assembly of nuclear fusion power plants. In other words, it is a little bit premature to apply the terminology of “nuclear fusion power plant” at this stage and could be a kind of idealistic and final objective that is pursued through nomenclature. I should declare that establishing nuclear fusion power plants in the country is our final goal and reiterate that, God willing, we can establish nuclear fusion power plants in our country after some 40 years, provided that all necessary investments and required arrangements are accomplished. We should start our researches about nuclear fusion power plants as soon as possible in order to obtain necessary expertise and technical knowledg . If we go through such a procedure, we will be able to assemble such a reactor 40 years later. At that time, companies that are involved in the assembly of nuclear fusion power plants will demand huge sums for establishing these power plants for their clients. Without necessary knowledge about these power plants, clients will not be able to use them appropriately. It can be compared with the situation in which the client has been given a car without providing necessary training for the driver and the required mechanical instructions . Some 40 years later we will be able to both assemble and operate nuclear fusion power plants in our country, because we have passed through all these procedures and obtained necessary -skills and expertise in this field. We would not like to purchase and import a big battery and throw it away after its consumption. Currently, some neighboring countries, which I am not so much inclined to specify them by name, are trying to purchase turn-key nuclear power plants. They buy the nuclear power plant, without obtaining any ability or skill about it. These countries will certainly become dependent on foreigners for operating and using these power plants. Foreign companies will be installing these nuclear power plants for them and these countries will use the produced electricity for, say, watching TVs or cooling their homes. We do not want to behave in this way. Technological and industrial dependency makes you compelled to purchase products of other countries and act as mere consumers. Since early 20th century, the world has experienced industrialization in a serious manner, but we could not follow this industrialization process with the same tempo. Our oil industry is now more than one hundred years old, but we have experienced no remarkable achievement in this regard (of course the Islamic Republic of Iran during the two or three decades following the Islamic Revolution has had some outstanding achievements in the oil industry of the country). In other words, our oil industry is still greatly dependent on foreign knowledge and technology. Nevertheless, if we had pursued an appropriate course of action in this industry during the past one hundred years, we could have become a major exporter of such technology in the field of oil and natural gas industry., Malaysia For instance, has no oil fields and is completely dependent on oil imports from abroad; however, about 20 years ago, Malaysian officials decided to enter into oil industry and now they have active presence in this field. Nowadays, we are witnessing that Malaysian oil companies are actively present in different oil-rich countries. These companies have acceded to some agreements with Iran, Iraq, and other oil-rich countries. This is not an acceptable state of affairs and we do not consider it as an appropriate situation for our own country. Therefore, we are trying to obtain effective abilities and technology from now on and we intend to make necessary investments for developing these technologies. In other words, we certainly want to offer necessary guarantees to our future generations and assure them of a brilliant and promising prospect.
Fars: Japan has experienced significant developments in the field of nuclear fusion industry. Do you intend to cooperate with the Japanese in this matter? Does Mr. Jalili, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, intend to have discussions about this issue in his upcoming visit to Tokyo?
Fars: This agreement refers to the establishment of experimental fusion reactor or experimental fusion power plant. What are the programs of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in this framework?