TEHRAN -- The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has expanded its activities from research and development to an industrial phase aimed at directly benefiting the public, its head says.
Muhammad Eslami made the remarks during a briefing to Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, where he also detailed damage to Iran’s nuclear sites during the U.S.-Israeli attacks in June.
Eslami, quoted by the committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei, said domestic production of radiopharmaceuticals has been firmly established, has never stopped, and will continue indefinitely.
He added that the AEOI has achieved nearly 500 milestones since 2022, many with direct public benefits, as it shifts towards industrial applications to boost the national economy.
Eslami highlighted nuclear technology’s role in increasing crop quality and quantity, noting the establishment of irradiation centers with a capacity of 500,000 tons. 
He also mentioned the use of plasma therapy for diabetic wounds and breast cancer, alongside projects for treating industrial waste and converting contaminated water into usable water.
Referring to a recent trip to Russia, Eslami said a protocol was signed for the construction of eight nuclear power plants, including one already operational and two under construction. 
The agreement includes plants with a combined capacity of 5,000 megawatts in Hormozgan province.
Eslami also criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for failing to protect confidential information despite Iran’s repeated warnings.
He clarified that political 
negotiations are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the guidance of the Supreme National Security Council.
On September 9, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi agreed on practical steps to resume cooperation after talks in Cairo, Egypt.
The agreement followed Iranian Parliament’s unanimous legislation to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA in response to the U.S.-Israeli attacks on three nuclear sites, which Tehran condemned as violations of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Araghchi confirmed on Sunday that the Cairo agreement is no longer valid, following the reimposition of United Nations sanctions under the controversial “snapback” mechanism initiated by three European countries.