WANA (Feb 08) – In a significant advancement for Iran’s nuclear industry, Mohammad Eslami, Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), inaugurated the production line for iridium hexafluoride (IrF6) at the Shahid Raeisi Nuclear Site (UCF) in Isfahan.

 

Eslami emphasized Iran’s commitment to innovation and scientific progress, stating that the AEOI continuously pursues cutting-edge research and development. “Our colleagues, driven by faith and belief in the principle of ‘capability,’ have always prioritized innovation and the production of high-tech products,” he remarked.

 

He further announced that Iran will unveil its latest nuclear achievements on April 9, 2025, during National Nuclear Technology Day, in the presence of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

 

According to Eslami, Iran has achieved approximately 160 scientific, technological, and industrial advancements this year, demonstrating the nation’s unwavering commitment to nuclear innovation.

 

Self-Sufficiency in Iridium Hexafluoride Production

The newly launched IrF6 production line marks a major breakthrough, addressing critical domestic needs in the medical, industrial, and fundamental sciences sectors.

 

Eslami highlighted that iridium hexafluoride is essential for medical radiotherapy devices used in hospitals, particularly as a source of iridium-192 (Ir-192), which has applications in internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy), medical radiography, and non-destructive testing (NDT) in the oil and gas industries.

 

Due to international sanctions, Iran has faced challenges in acquiring this strategic material from other countries. However, with the establishment of this production line, Iran has now achieved self-sufficiency in producing IrF6.

 

“This is a critical step toward technological independence. We will fully support this initiative within the Atomic Energy Organization,” Eslami affirmed.

 

He also noted that Iran is now among the few nations with the capability to produce IrF6 and can potentially export it to other countries.

Advanced Welding Technology for Nuclear Fuel Rods

In addition to launching the IrF6 production line, Eslami also inaugurated the resistance welding (RW) system for nuclear fuel rods at the UCF site in Isfahan. This project was part of his one-day visit to the province and represents another crucial step in Iran’s nuclear advancements.

 

The RW system is a specialized and efficient technology for welding fuel rod components, particularly for attaching end caps to the rods. The process demands precise control over materials, process parameters, and safety standards to ensure optimal performance.

 

Among the key benefits of this system are its high-speed welding capability, suitability for mass production, enhanced quality control, and uniform weld consistency. Additionally, the process minimizes environmental contamination risks, making it a more sustainable approach.

 

With these technological advancements, Iran continues to strengthen its position in the global nuclear technology landscape, demonstrating its ability to develop and implement sophisticated nuclear innovations independently.