AEOI spokesman says Iran has achieved self-sufficiency in nuclear plant construction despite attacks on strategic projects and sustained Western pressure.

TEHRAN -- Iran’s nuclear industry has reached full maturity and achieved self-sufficiency in nuclear power plant construction despite sabotage and attacks, a senior atomic energy official said during Iran’s participation in a ministerial conference in South Korea.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman and deputy for international, legal and parliamentary affairs at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said the country has continued to advance its nuclear capabilities despite efforts by its adversaries to disrupt strategic projects and delay technological development.

“After about 14 years of continuous service at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, I can confidently say that the country’s nuclear industry has reached full maturity, and we have now achieved self-sufficiency in the construction of nuclear power plants,” Kamalvandi said in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting’s Khabar Network.

He cited the attack on the Darakhvin nuclear power plant project in southwestern Iran during the recent war as an attempt to delay the country’s development plans.

The project was in its initial implementation phase when it was targeted, he said, adding that Iran’s progress extends beyond nuclear fuel production to include power plant construction and nuclear safety.

Kamalvandi made the remarks as an Iranian delegation participated in the sixth Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Energy in South Korea, where officials from participating countries discussed the expansion of nuclear power, emerging technologies, financing requirements and the workforce needed to support the sector’s growth.

Iran’s participation in the conference also provided an opportunity to present its position on the rights and obligations of states under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he said, adding that international commitments must be accompanied by recognition of the rights of treaty members.

Kamalvandi said growing electricity demand, environmental pressures and the rapid expansion of digital technologies are strengthening the case for nuclear power worldwide.

Nuclear energy is particularly important because it can provide large volumes of electricity with very low carbon emissions while maintaining a stable supply regardless of weather conditions, he said.

Unlike wind and solar generation, which depend on wind speeds and sunlight, nuclear power plants can operate continuously and provide what the industry calls baseload electricity.

The distinction is becoming increasingly significant as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and the electrification of transportation increase demand for reliable power.

Kamalvandi said these developments make the expansion of nuclear electricity generation an increasingly unavoidable priority.

He pointed to an international commitment to triple global nuclear power capacity, describing it as part of wider efforts to address environmental challenges.

Global nuclear generating capacity currently stands at approximately 400,000 megawatts, he said, while Iran contributes around 1,000 megawatts through its existing nuclear power generation capacity.

The Iranian official said the expansion of nuclear power would help reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels, while providing the reliable electricity supply needed to support economic and technological development.

He also highlighted small modular reactors (SMRs), which can be manufactured in smaller units and deployed in groups to meet different electricity requirements. The technology has attracted growing international attention because modular construction could provide additional options for expanding nuclear generation.

Iran is pursuing cooperation with Russia on the development of such reactors, Kamalvandi said, adding that the two sides are in the process of signing a protocol to accelerate joint work.

Kamalvandi said Iran’s domestic technical workforce is one of the country’s principal advantages in developing its nuclear industry, particularly as some countries seeking to expand nuclear generation face shortages of qualified personnel.

The Iranian delegation was led by Hussein Derakhshandeh, an AEOI deputy responsible for nuclear power plant affairs, and was participating in discussions on the practical requirements of expanding nuclear capacity.

Alongside workforce development, the conference agenda included nuclear safety and security, as well as the financing of power plant projects through public and private investment.

Kamalvandi said Iran has developed substantial expertise across different areas of nuclear technology and is continuing its work despite political pressure and attempts to prevent projects from being completed on schedule.

“Unfortunately, political pressure has prevented some of our projects from being completed according to their planned schedules,” he said. “However, activities in the country have not stopped, and progress continues.”

He said Iran’s capabilities are not confined to the nuclear fuel cycle, encompassing power plant construction, reactor technology and safety-related work. He also pointed to the country’s capacity to train and retain specialized personnel as a foundation for further development.

By contrast, he said, some countries rely on foreign personnel to operate their nuclear facilities. He cited the United Arab Emirates as an example of a country that has recruited expertise from abroad, stating that a strong domestic workforce is important for building indigenous technological capacity.

The Iranian delegation used the South Korean conference to reiterate Tehran’s position that the rights and obligations established under the NPT must be treated together.

Kamalvandi said Iran’s statement at the conference emphasized that countries could not be expected to fulfill their treaty obligations while having their rights disregarded.

He took aim at Western governments for pursuing an approach that places disproportionate emphasis on Iran’s commitments while overlooking its rights under the treaty.

Iran would continue presenting its position in international forums, he said, adding that sustained diplomatic engagement could help other countries better understand Tehran’s concerns despite political pressure from Washington.

As an example, Kamalvandi referred to a secret ballot at a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in which, he said, the United States failed to secure the support it sought against Iran.

He said the outcome indicated that political pressure does not necessarily translate into unanimous international backing.

The official also stated that participation in international meetings is important following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities. Such forums provide opportunities to explain Iran’s position, engage with other governments and build support for cooperation based on international law, he said.

Kamalvandi acknowledged that national interests and political considerations influence governments’ positions, but maintained that sustained engagement could gradually affect public opinion and the views of other countries.

Kamalvandi also emphasized the environmental benefits of nuclear power, citing the operating record of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant.

According to the official, the plant has prevented the release of approximately 86 million tons of pollutants and saved the equivalent of 132 million barrels of oil.

He said expanding low-carbon electricity generation will benefit Iran and neighboring countries alike because environmental consequences, including pollution, are not confined by national borders.

The argument for nuclear power, he added, extends beyond Iran’s own development priorities to the long-term interests of humanity. Countries need to produce electricity with the lowest possible emissions while meeting growing demand, he said.

Kamalvandi noted that several Western countries that had previously reduced their emphasis on nuclear power are now reconsidering their policies. He also pointed to financial incentives intended to encourage private-sector investment in nuclear power projects.

He said the United States has announced plans to increase its nuclear power fleet substantially over the next four years, reflecting the renewed international focus on nuclear generation.

“We all have a responsibility toward future generations and must work to protect the environment,” Kamalvandi said, adding that nuclear energy will remain one of the most important options for meeting the world’s growing demand for cleaner electricity.