Iraq Close to Agreement with China on Nuclear Training Reactor

Iraq's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, who also heads the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC), has announced that three sites within the Tuwaitha complex southeast of Baghdad are now confirmed to be free of radioactive contamination.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Al-Aboudi said the cleared sites include the former French LAMA Laboratories, the Italian radioisotope production facility, and the Tamuz-2 research reactor. He affirmed that all sites underwent thorough radiation surveys conducted using precise scientific methodologies and in coordination with national institutions. The results confirmed that no radioactive residues remain that could pose a risk to public health.

In a related development, the Minister announced that Iraq is close to signing an agreement with the China National Nuclear Corporation to establish the country's first subcritical training reactor. This educational project will support the development of student and researcher skills in nuclear physics and peaceful radiation technologies.