Iran has agreed to transfer nine tons of enriched uranium to Russia as it seeks to speedy relief from international economic sanctions.
The export is a part of a deal signed by Iran with Russia, under which it will import of approximately 140 tons of Russia’s lower-enriched uranium in exchange, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported earlier.
Transferring the higher-enriched uranium is one of the steps required to be implemented by Iran in order to secure relief from sanctions as part of the nuclear deal signed with world powers.
Iran has already received a shipment of 137 tons of yellowcake which is an unenriched uranium compound from Russia and plans to export the enriched uranium to Russia onboard a ship.
The IRNA cited Atomic Energy Organization of Iran head Ali Akbar Salehi as saying: "The fuel exchange is going on well — Iran has imported 137 tons of yellow cake from Russia and will export around 9 tons of its enriched uranium to Russia in the next few days.
"We will sell the Russians 9 tons of enriched uranium, and we will be paid for enrichment services through receiving raw material and import 140 tons of natural uranium which is a large amount."
Under the nuclear deal, which was signed with the US and five other world powers earlier this year, Iran is required to limit its enriched uranium stockpile to around 300kg (660 lb) and closed most of its uranium enriching centrifuges.
Iranian officials plan to complete the other necessary steps including removing the core of the heavy-water reactor at the Arak nuclear facility and decommissioning thousands of enrichment centrifuges, in next month.
Following validation of these steps by the United Nations, Iran will be relieved from the international sanctions, providing it with the access to the global markets, reported Reuters.
Image: Iran is expected to limit its enriched uranium stockpile to around 300kg (660 lb). Photo: courtesy of xedos4/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.