TEHRAN- Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), announced plans for significant advancements in Iran's nuclear program on Wednesday. 

Eslami highlighted the upcoming irradiation of agricultural products, a first for Iran, expressing hope for positive impacts on people's lives.

This process uses controlled radiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life, potentially benefiting both producers and consumers. 

Eslami also addressed the construction of two new nuclear power plants. He acknowledged the multi-year timeframe involved, stating that each plant would take approximately seven years to complete.  

He remained optimistic, aiming for the inauguration of power plants by the end of the current Raisi administration.

Eslami went on to praise the performance of Iran's existing Bushehr nuclear power plant, saying that according to the World Association of Nuclear Power Plant Operators (WANO), Bushehr has achieved the top efficiency ranking among global facilities.  

Eslami stated that electricity generation exceeded 7 billion kilowatt hours last year, attributing significant contributions to nuclear power. 

In the end, he voiced aspirations to maintain this level of performance in the coming year.

Back in late February, Eslami noted that despite years of Western sanctions, Iran’s nuclear sector is among the top five in the world.

He highlighted Iran’s achievements in the peaceful nuclear energy program, including the production of high-quality heavy water. 

“Iran is placed among the world’s top five countries in many fields such as the nuclear industry,” he said.

Eslami went on to add, “Today, we are at the top of the list in terms of the quality and purity of heavy water that is produced without foreign help on the back of research by the country’s scientists. We have been able to have a share in the supply and export of heavy water at the global market.”

Eslami also pointed out that heavy water can be utilized to make microelectronics and novel medications.

He went on to discuss the obstacles to Iran’s technological growth in the nuclear and space areas, saying Iran’s nuclear energy program has made significant progress in recent years despite U.S. sanctions.

As a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has worked closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Speaking at the Bahman 22 rallies marking the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Eslami issued a defiant message to enemies, vowing that Iran’s development, including its nuclear program, will continue unabated despite attempts to hinder it.

He emphasized the importance of nuclear technology for national development, arguing it is crucial for advancements in various scientific, technological, and industrial fields. 

“Despite enemies’ will to hamper Iran’s access,” Eslami declared, “thanks to God, endogenous research, self-belief, and effort, Iran has achieved nuclear technological self-sufficiency, foiling the enemies' objectives.”

Emphasizing the Iranian people’s 45-year commitment to the Islamic Revolution, he warned the enemies that they would not be able to deter the country’s progress through assassinations of nuclear experts or sabotage attacks.
 
“The dear Iranian nation is more powerful than the enemies’ plots,” he declared, praising the people’s wisdom and continued support for the Islamic Revolution.

Eslami concluded by asserting Iran’s position as one of the leaders in scientific progress, declaring that today the country is on the top of the chart of scientific progress in the world.

Last year, during an unveiling ceremony of three new radiomedicines in Tehran, he said that the new drugs brought the number of the Iranian-produced radiopharmaceuticals to 50. 

“10 more radiodrugs will hit the production line in the upcoming months,” he added. 

Also in the same year, during another event, he referred to the production of high-quality heavy water in the country, stating that Iran has established a dominant global position in this market and is able to export the excess of heavy water it produces to other nations.

Additionally, Eslami commended Iran for taking significant advances toward realizing the goal of producing 20,000 megawatts of nuclear power, which was reiterated by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.