EU inks agreement on Iran's Arak reactor

ANKARA

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said Sunday that she had signed an official document on the modernization of Iran's heavy water research reactor.

The conclusion of the agreement with Iran "represents another important milestone on the way towards the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," Mogherini said in a statement.

JCPOA, also known as the nuclear deal, was signed on July 14 between Iran and the P5+1 countries -- the U.S., the U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany. Mogherini said the document was signed by her and the foreign ministers of P5+1 countries.

According to the document, Iran will take a leadership role as the owner and project manager, and it will be responsible for developing the schedule and implementing the modernization project.

China will participate in the design and construction of the modernized reactor, while the U.S. will provide technical support and review the modernized reactor design.

France, the U.K. and Germany will participate in design review, in addition to supplying equipment and providing training on safety and security measures, while Russia will provide consultative services and expertise.

Mogherini, who is also the coordinator of the Joint Commission, will facilitate the approval process for the relevant designs and the export of equipment for the project.

The Joint Commission is expected to complete its review within three months after the final design for the modernization of the Arak reactor is submitted.

In addition, Iran will be joined by the U.S. and China as co-chairs in the Arak Modernization Working Group, which will manage the modernization project. The Working Group will review Iran's five-year schedule and major milestones in the project.

The Arak heavy water production plant plays an important role in Iran's nuclear disarmament. Since fuel spent from a heavy water reactor contains plutonium and can be used to develop a nuclear bomb, Arak's redesign is vital. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to redesign Arak and not to build any other heavy water reactors or to accumulate heavy water for the next 15 years.