How Iran’s Nuclear Industry Transitioned from Research to Industrial Production
WANA (Jun 12) – One of the most strategic developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s high-tech sector in recent years has been the transition of its nuclear industry from a purely research-focused phase to full-scale industrialization. This milestone was achieved in the midst of intense international pressure, sweeping sanctions, and a relentless Western media campaign against Iran’s nuclear program—signaling a structural and technological maturity within the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
Industrialization: A Practical Turning Point
Mohammad Eslami, the head of the AEOI, has repeatedly emphasized since last year that Iran has moved beyond the research phase and entered the stage of nuclear industrialization. According to him, this “strategic and fundamental step” is not merely a symbolic achievement but marks the beginning of a new era in which nuclear capabilities can be tangibly integrated into the daily lives of Iranian citizens.
As one nuclear physics professor puts it, this shift represents a foundational transformation—particularly considering that Iran’s nuclear activities were previously confined largely to research or semi-industrial levels. For the first time, advanced nuclear technologies such as plasma processing, irradiation, detoxification, radio-medicines, and power plant development are moving out of the lab and into real-world applications—generating production, employment, and public services.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei visits the Iran nuclear achievements in Tehran, Iran June 11, 2023. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Concrete Indicators of Industrialization
Recent reports and statements from the AEOI chief confirm that Iran’s move beyond research is not just rhetoric. Real-world developments underscore this transition: At the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the workforce on Units 2 and 3 has increased from around 200 to 3,500 people—and is expected to reach 5,000 in the near future.
In the agriculture and food industries, Iran launched its first industrial-scale dry fruit decontamination facility using plasma technology in Rafsanjan. This innovation, already employed in detoxifying pistachios and combating aflatoxins, could revive Iran’s competitive position in global markets.
In the mining and exploration sector, activities are now underway at 70 sites across the country—a scale of operation that, according to Eslami, is unprecedented in recent years.
More than 80 knowledge-based companies with design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities are now actively involved in Iran’s nuclear industrial projects.
On the energy front, Iran is pursuing an ambitious goal of generating 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity. Projects are underway along the Makran coast and in the provinces of Bushehr, Hormozgan, Khuzestan, and even northern Iran.
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Open-Door Policy and Public Engagement
A key innovation introduced by Iran’s previous administration in nuclear policy has been the implementation of an “open-door and open-innovation” approach.
As Eslami explained: “Unlike in the past, when we leaned toward securitization, we are now inviting elites and opening pathways for knowledge-based firms, researchers, and investors to enter this domain.”
This policy is aimed at democratizing nuclear technology—removing monopolies and enabling private-sector scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors to play a leading role in moving the industry forward using domestic capacities.
Simultaneously, Iran is also actively engaging in the informational battleground by focusing on the impact of nuclear technology on everyday life—an effort to build public trust in its nuclear agenda.
Nuclear Industry on the Path to National Maturity
Iran’s transition to a nuclear industry marks more than just a technological advance—it is a bold and direct response to Western sanctions and threats. It symbolizes national self-confidence, scientific management, and high-level strategic planning.
Today, Iran’s nuclear program has become a driving force behind the country’s scientific and economic development—a journey that began in the lab, and now powers industry, employment, healthcare, and energy production.
