UK Conduct in Yellowcake Contract Criticized

Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi took a swipe at Britain for backing out of a deal on the sale of 900 tons of yellowcake (a type of uranium concentrate powder) to Iran, saying the Foreign Ministry is following up the case.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Thursday, Salehi said Iran had hammered out a contract with P5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on the purchase of 900 tons of yellowcake, but Britain backed out of the deal at the last moment, Tasnim News Agency reported.

“During a meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, which was attended by former US secretary of energy, Ernest Moniz, the contract on the purchase of 900 tons of yellowcake was negotiated and signed, but unfortunately, the London government pulled out of the agreement,” he said.

Salehi noted that the Foreign Ministry is following up on the case, saying that if the contract comes into force, Iran will add 900 tons of nuclear material to its stockpile within three years.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Tehran should sell any excess supply of heavy water and enriched uranium on the international market.

The accord also authorizes Iran to purchase natural uranium or yellowcake in return.