US buys Iranian heavy water, Kerry and Zarif meet
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—The United States will purchase heavy water from Iran’s nuclear program.
The US Department of Energy made the announcement yesterday stating that it will buy 32 metric tons of heavy water from Iran for $8.6 million.
Heavy water is an important component in processing nuclear material. It is used in research and medical applications, as well as the production of weapons-grade plutonium. It is not radioactive.
Iran is obligated to reduce its supply of heavy water under the terms of the nuclear deal between Tehran and six western powers.
Under the nuclear deal, Iran may use heavy water in its redesigned Arak nuclear reactor but must sell or dispose of all excess. It must also sell excess enriched uranium on the international market.
US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif twice this week to discuss implementation of the nuclear deal. Tehran has expressed concern that relief from sanctions promised under the deal have not materialized.
In a joint statement to the press before their second meeting on Friday, both Kerry and Zarif confirmed their commitment to the nuclear deal and resolving outstanding issues.
“Now, we recognize it is going to take some time for companies to feel confident in reengaging with Iran, and in all fairness, that is due to concerns other than sanctions,” said Kerry.
“But I want to make clear the United States is committed to doing our part as we believe it is in our interest to ensure that the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action], the nuclear agreement that we reached, that it is in fact working for all participants,” he continued. “And just as we have upheld our commitments, we’re going to continue to work with Iran to verify that they uphold theirs also. It is mutuality that was created in this, and it’s important that we make sure there is mutuality in its implementation.”
Zarif stressed that serious differences remain between the parties of the deal but emphasized Iran’s commitment to the agreement. “We will continue to have differences with the United States. Our differences are very serious in a good number of areas,” he stated.
Zarif reiterated Iran’s intent to resolve these serious issues through negotiations so that, “we can move forward with the long-term implications for this very important agreement, which should create the foundations and not the ceilings for resolution of international issues.”
Iran has approximately 70 metric tons of excess heavy water, estimated the country’s top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi. He indicated that further sales are being negotiated.
The sale has been criticized by Republican lawmakers. US Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, described the deal as “another unprecedented concession to the world's leading state-sponsor of terrorism” and said the money paid to Tehran would “directly subsidize Iran’s nuclear program.”
The Department of Energy expects to resell the heavy water to American commercial and research buyers.
The US Department of Energy made the announcement yesterday stating that it will buy 32 metric tons of heavy water from Iran for $8.6 million.
Heavy water is an important component in processing nuclear material. It is used in research and medical applications, as well as the production of weapons-grade plutonium. It is not radioactive.
Iran is obligated to reduce its supply of heavy water under the terms of the nuclear deal between Tehran and six western powers.
Under the nuclear deal, Iran may use heavy water in its redesigned Arak nuclear reactor but must sell or dispose of all excess. It must also sell excess enriched uranium on the international market.
US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif twice this week to discuss implementation of the nuclear deal. Tehran has expressed concern that relief from sanctions promised under the deal have not materialized.
In a joint statement to the press before their second meeting on Friday, both Kerry and Zarif confirmed their commitment to the nuclear deal and resolving outstanding issues.
“Now, we recognize it is going to take some time for companies to feel confident in reengaging with Iran, and in all fairness, that is due to concerns other than sanctions,” said Kerry.
“But I want to make clear the United States is committed to doing our part as we believe it is in our interest to ensure that the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action], the nuclear agreement that we reached, that it is in fact working for all participants,” he continued. “And just as we have upheld our commitments, we’re going to continue to work with Iran to verify that they uphold theirs also. It is mutuality that was created in this, and it’s important that we make sure there is mutuality in its implementation.”
Zarif stressed that serious differences remain between the parties of the deal but emphasized Iran’s commitment to the agreement. “We will continue to have differences with the United States. Our differences are very serious in a good number of areas,” he stated.
Zarif reiterated Iran’s intent to resolve these serious issues through negotiations so that, “we can move forward with the long-term implications for this very important agreement, which should create the foundations and not the ceilings for resolution of international issues.”
Iran has approximately 70 metric tons of excess heavy water, estimated the country’s top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi. He indicated that further sales are being negotiated.
The sale has been criticized by Republican lawmakers. US Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, described the deal as “another unprecedented concession to the world's leading state-sponsor of terrorism” and said the money paid to Tehran would “directly subsidize Iran’s nuclear program.”
The Department of Energy expects to resell the heavy water to American commercial and research buyers.