Iran Pledges Technology Transfer Amid Tensions Over Nuclear Program

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, has announced Tehran's readiness to transfer nuclear technologies to other nations.

Eslami made the remarks at an industrial achievements exhibition in Isfahan, which also hosted Iran's first International Conference on Nuclear Sciences and Technologies. The Monday event, attended by high-ranking Iranian officials and also the Saudi ambassador to Tehran.

Concurrently, Rafael Grossi, head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived in Tehran with goals to mend and enhance the strained relations between Iran and the international regulatory body, focusing on cooperation and transparency.

His visit comes at a critical time as Iran has intensified its nuclear activities, enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short step away from weapons-grade levels. This degree of enrichment is significant enough that further processing could yield material for several nuclear weapons.

The IAEA has voiced concerns over its limited capacity to monitor Iran’s developing nuclear program effectively, citing restrictions on its top inspectors. Such challenges are mounting amidst Iran's involvement in regional conflicts, raising international alarms over the potential military dimensions of its nuclear pursuits.

Iran's nuclear ambitions have been a point of international contention since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement with global powers, which Tehran has gradually deserted following the US withdrawal in 2018. The departure led to increased activities, including the recent findings of uranium particles enriched to 83.7%.

Despite the provocations, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi claimed on April 27 that Iran’s goals remain peaceful and called for an end to sanctions, stating that the capability to produce a nuclear weapon does not imply intent to do so.