Former Head Of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Fereydoon Abbasi: We Should Enrich Uranium To Over 90%, Build Particle Accelerators, Conduct Radiation Tests, And Manufacture Nuclear Engines For A Strategic Navy

In an interview on Channel 1 (Iran) on November 20, 2024, Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, stated that if European nations continue to fail in honoring their commitments, Iran should consider enriching uranium beyond 90% for small reactors using highly-enriched fuel. He called for conducting high-level neutron calculations and measurements, sending a clear message to the United States that Iran will not back down. While claiming that Iran does not seek weapons of mass destruction, Abbasi emphasized the necessity of nuclear capabilities to advance in the space sector, including launching satellites and space shuttles. He also highlighted the strategic importance of developing small nuclear reactors for use as nuclear propellants for seacraft. Abbasi acknowledged that such actions might lead to new sanctions, but argued that Iran has little to lose, given its current accusations of providing missiles and UAVs to Russia.

Fereydoon Abbasi: " Why shouldn't we enrich [uranium] beyond 60%? The government should proceed in accordance with the law of the Majles. If the [Europeans] keep failing to abide by their commitments – I have a solution for that."

Interviewer: "Which is?"

Abbasi: "We should definitely enrich [uranium] beyond 90% for small reactors of highly-enriched fuel. We should conduct high-level neutron calculations and measurements in our country, as we excel in these areas."

Interviewer: "What kind of message would this convey to the Americans?"

Abbasi: "They will receive the message that backing down is not an option for us. We do not seek WMDs, but we must obtain nuclear capabilities, because our quarrel is about space, not about the nuclear issue. Look, if we want to advance in the field of space, we must be strong in the nuclear field, build particle accelerators in our country, and conduct nuclear radiation tests on the ground for the satellites and space shuttles that we want to launch beyond the atmosphere.

[...]

"We must build small reactors, with low capacity and highly-enriched [fuel], so that we can turn them into modular reactors, which we can use in various fields, [like] building nuclear propellants. To become a rising world power, after defeating ISIS, we must establish a presence in the oceans and far seas. With regard to the defense of our country... What is the definition of a 'strategic navy?' It means that we need to have engines that do not need to be refueled in ports."

[...]

Interviewer: "But wouldn't there be new sanctions, if we move on with the [nuclear] engine?"

Abbasi: "There will definitely be new sanctions, but not on the nuclear issue. What do we have to lose? They are already accusing us of providing missiles and UAVs to Russia."