Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

Early 1990s
The Iranian government decides that by 2005 up to 20% of the energy in Iran will be produced by nuclear electric power and that 10 nuclear units will be built.
—Radzhab Sattarovich Safarov, "Russia and Iran on the Threshold of the 21st Century," Nezavisimay Gazeta (Moscow), 20 March 1997; in "RF-Iranian Ties, Energy Policy Surveyed," FBIS Document FTS 19970407001180, 5 April 2002.

1990
The reactor at Iran's Nuclear Research Center acquires "critical assembly capability." A reports says this suggests that Iran, a state with little nuclear technology of its own, received assistance from Russia or Pakistan or both.
—Marko Milivojevic, "Nuclear Deal," Middle East International, 20 January 1995, p. 14.

1990
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) conducts uranium exploration at the Saghand Uranium mine in Yazd. [Note: The AEOI also conducts exploration there in 1984-1985 and 1989. See entries.]
—"Iran's Nuclear Network," The Risk Report, September 1995; in Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs; Emphasis on Russian Assistance: Analysis and Assessment," CNS Unpublished Paper, October 1998.

1990
China and Iran sign a military and scientific cooperation pact.
—"China Nuclear-Plant Announced," Fact on File World News Digest, 17 September 1992; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1990-1991
The US Department of Commerce approves the sale of high-technology equipment to Iran during a 13-month period in 1990-1991 worth $59 million. The director of the Washington, DC-based group the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, Gary Milholin, says that the equipment sold to Iran by the Commerce Department constitutes dual-use technology that can be used to produce nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
—--Keith Bradsher, "US Allowed Some High-Tech Sales to Iran in 90," New York Times, 31 January 1992; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1990
Iran and the Soviet Union sign a nuclear cooperation agreement. [Note: See 7 February 1991.]
—Mark Hibbs "German Officials Say Government May Not Let Bushehr Be Finished" Nucleonics Week, 7 February 1991, pp. 15-16.

January 1990
Officials from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran visit South Korea to request assistance on the Bushehr nuclear power plant. [Note: In February 1990, Korea Power Engineering Company representatives travel to Iran to conduct a feasibility study on completing the plant.]
—Korea Times (Seoul), 2 March 1990, p. 8; in Nuclear Developments, 16 March 1990.

21 January 1990
Iran's Minister of Defense of the Armed Forces and Logistics, Ali Akbar Torkan, and China's Deputy Director of the Commission on Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense sign a 10-year agreement to construct a 27MW plutonium production plant in Isfahan. As part of the agreement, China will also supply additional calutrons and other uranium enrichment technology. The deal is facilitated by the export arm of China's Ministry of Energy Resource, the China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation (CNEIC). [Note: The 27MW reactor proposed for installation at Isfahan by China but never realized should not be confused with a 27kWt Chinese-supplied reactor at Isfahan that went critical March 1994. For entries on the 27kWt reactor, see 1991, September 1991, March 1994, and 7 September 1995.]
—--"Nuclear Facilities," Middle East Defense News, 8 June 1992, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kenneth R. Timmerman, "Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Cases of Iran, Syria, and Libya," A Simon Wiesenthal Center Special Report from Middle East Defense News (Mednews), August 1992, pp. 47, 130; Jim Mann, Los Angeles Times, 17 March 1992, pp. A1, A11; David Albright and Mark Hibbs, The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, pp. 9-11.

February 1990
Korea Power Engineering Company representatives travel to Iran to conduct a feasibility study on completing the plant. [Note: In January 1990, officials from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran visited South Korea to request assistance on the Bushehr nuclear power plant.]
—Korea Times (Seoul), 2 March 1990, p. 8; in Nuclear Developments, 16 March 1990.

February 1990
Iran and Spain sign a protocol saying that Associated Enterprises of Spain will build the Bushehr reactors, with some assistance from Kraftwerk Union (KWU). German export law prohibits KWU from working directly on the project, but the companies hope to circumvent this by having Spain as the main contractor. Safeguards will apply.
—Angel Munoz, El Independente, 5 February 1990, p. 2; in Nuclear Developments, 16 March 1990, p. 2; Angel Munoz, El Independente, 6 February 1990, p. 4; in Nuclear Developments, 16 March 1990, p. 38-39.

5 February 1990
El Independent of Madrid reports that 2,000 workers, plus 200 scientists, are or were working on Iran's nuclear research.
—El Independente (Madrid), 5 and 6 February 1990; Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

7 February 1990
Iranian Parliament Speaker Kharrubi inaugurates the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran's Jabir bin al-Hayyan laboratory. It will be used for teaching nuclear technology.
—"Iran Nuclear Research Laboratory Opened," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 February 1990; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 February 1990
US News and World Report reports that Pakistan is helping Iran build a plutonium reactor.
—US News and World Report, 12 February 1990.

March 1990
Iran possibly opens a uranium ore processing plant near the Saghand uranium mine in Yazd province.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

6 March 1990
The Soviet Union and Iran sign a protocol under which the Soviet Union will build two VVER 440 reactors in Iran in return for three billion cubic meters of natural gas. The countries also agree to cooperate in nuclear research for peaceful purposes. The Soviet Union will also complete the two 1293MW pressurized water reactors at Bushehr that Siemens-Kraftwerk Union of West Germany has refused to finish until the Iran-Iraq War is formally ended. [Note: The 1293MW reactor under construction at Bushehr is also referred to as 1200MWe. See November 1974, May 1987, and March 1993.]
—Nuclear News, April 1990, p. 19; Nuclear Engineering International, May 1990, p. 7; Nuclear Engineering International, June 1990, p. 24; Defense and Foreign Affairs Weekly, 19-25 March 1990, p. 2; "USSR/Iran: Iranians Say Soviets Will Aid In Nuclear" Nucleonics Week, 15 March 1990, p. 18.

9 March 1990
Iran's Mojahedin-e Khalq opposition organization claims that Iran country has allocated $200 million for nuclear weapons programs and is receiving help from Argentina, Pakistan, and China. A US administration official says Iran wants to acquire nuclear weapons, and adds that the United States has tried to prevent the Argentina, Pakistan, and China from "selling equipment that would give Iran secrets to enable them to produce these types of weapons." [Note: The Mohajedin-e Khlaq is known to make exaggerated claims about the Iranian government and its nuclear program.]
—"Commentary On Claims Of Nuclear Capability," Proliferation Issues, 24 July 1991, pp. 15-16.

14 March 1990
The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center opens. The center includes subcritical mass reactors and neutron production laboratories designed and built by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran for the purpose of gaining the technology to design nuclear reactors. The reactors use natural uranium. The neutron production laboratory has "Kacgraft" and "Walton" neutron-producing equipment. The laboratory is for training the center's staff. The research from the center is planned to be used to build a 27MW reactor in the next two years. [Note: The 27MW reactor proposed for installation at Isfahan by China but never realized should not be confused with a 27kWt Chinese-supplied reactor at Isfahan that went critical March 1994. For entries on the 27kWt reactor, see 1991, September 1991, March 1994, and 7 September 1995. For entries on the 27MW reactor, see 21 January 1990, 14 March 1990, June 1990, November 1991, and 1 June 1995.]
—"Esfahan Nuclear Centre Reactors Become Operational," BBC Summary Of World Broadcasts, 27 March 1990; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

15 March 1990
Nuclear Developments reports that according to a Jane's publication, Chile, Iran, South Korea, and Libya are capable of producing nuclear weapons.
—"Defense Minister Denies Nuclear Capability: Jane's Report," Nuclear Developments, 15 May 1990, p. 11.

16 March 1990
Nuclear Developments reports that the Soviet minister of transport and the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran reach an agreement for the Soviet Union to assist in the construction of two 440MW nuclear plants in Iran. The two nations also agree to cooperate for peaceful purposes in the nuclear field.
—"USSR To Aid Establishment Of Nuclear Power Units" Nuclear Developments, 16 March 1990, p. 25.

June 1990
Nuclear Engineering International reports that Argentina has attempted to revive work at Bushehr.
—Nuclear Engineering International, June 1990, p. 24.

June 1990
China's Nuclear Industry Organization signs a contract to supply the Atomic Energy Organization with a "micro-nuclear" research reactor to be built at Isfahan. The size of the reactor was not disclosed, but one source implies it is approximately 30MW. [Note: This description of 30MW reactor may refer to the 27MW reactor proposed for installation at Isfahan. The 27MW reactor proposed for installation at Isfahan by China but never realized should not be confused with a 27kWt Chinese-supplied reactor at Isfahan that went critical March 1994. For entries on the 27kWt reactor, see 1991, September 1991, March 1994, and 7 September 1995. For entries on the 27MW reactor, see 21 January 1990, 14 March 1990, November 1991, and 1 June 1995.]
—Zhongguo Xinwen She (Beijing), 11 June 1990; in FBIS Document JPRS-TND-90-016, 28 June 1990, p. 3; Keyhan (London), 19 July 1990, p. 4; in FBIS Document JPRS-TND-90-016, 20 September 1990, pp. 33-34; Defense and Foreign Affairs Weekly, 19-25 March 1990, p. 2.

June 1990
A US National Intelligence Estimate is released that says Iran is seeking a nuclear weapons capability.
—Bill Gertz, Washington Times, 1 November 1991, p. A7.

July 1990
Kraftwerk Union of West Germany expresses its unwillingness to complete work on the Bushehr reactors. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran says that the country's nuclear program is suffering because of German export controls. West Germany has also prevented Spain from finishing construction on the reactors.
—Keyhan (London), 19 July 1990, p. 4; in Nuclear Developments, 20 September 1990, pp. 33-34; IRNA (Tehran), 23 September 1990; in Nuclear Developments, 25 October 1990, p. 37; Mark Hibbs, Nucleonics Week, 25 October 1990, pp. 1-2.

July 1990
The United States, Japan, and countries in Western Europe lift controls on high-tech goods to Eastern Europe, making it easier for Iraq, Iran, and North Korea to buy dual-use goods for nuclear weapons through Eastern Europe. A US State Department official says Iran is researching enrichment methods and that it probably had "agents in Europe scouring the market" for needed technology.
—Jim Mann, "Iran's Nuclear Plans Worry Us Officials," Los Angeles Times, 27 January 1991, pp. A1, A28-A29.

August 1990
Nuclear Engineering International reports that France and Iran are continuing discussions on resolving a dispute about a $1 billion loan made by Iran to the French Atomic Energy Commission in 1974 to build the Eurodif enrichment plant. As part of the loan conditions, Iran agreed to pay part of the plant's operating costs and take 10% of the enriched uranium produced. However, after the overthrow of the Shah in 1979, Iran demanded full repayment of the Iran interest. France has paid back $630 million, but is asking for damages from Iran for Eurodif, since Iran backed out of the agreement.
—"France And Iran Talk Over Loan," Nuclear Engineering International, August 1990, p. 4.

Third Quarter 1990
The PPNN Newsbrief reports that Argentina may have to revise its contracts for delivery of 20% enriched uranium for the research reactors it has supplied to Algeria, Iran, and Peru, due to delays in production at the Pilcanyeu enrichment plant.
—"Nuclear Trade And International Cooperation: Argentina," PPNN Newsbrief, Autumn 1990, p. 3.

September 1990
The Iranian press criticizes West Germany refusing to rebuild Bushehr.
—Jim Mann, "Iran's Nuclear Plans Worry Us Officials," Los Angeles Times, 27 January 1991, pp. A1, A28-A29.

6 September 1990
Indonesian Vice President Sudharmono and Reza Amrollahi, president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, discuss bilateral cooperation for peaceful nuclear energy development between Iran and Indonesia.
—Antara (Jakarta), 6 September 1990; in Nuclear Developments, 15 October 1990, p. 2; "Sudharmono, Iranian Official On Atomic Energy" Nuclear Developments, 15 October 1990, p. 2.

6 September 1990
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says Iran's nuclear program is suffering because of export controls, despite the country's adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and full-scope safeguards. He also says the International Atomic Energy Agency is emphasizing its safeguards role to the detriment of its promotional role, and adds that no developing country has diverted nuclear material from a power plant for military use.
—Mark Hibbs, "Iran Negotiating With USSR For Supply Of "Several" PWRs," Nucleonics Week, 25 October 1990, pp. 1-2.

18 September 1990
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says that stricter International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards have complicated the nuclear industry and have made it costly for developing countries to build nuclear projects.
—"Official Reviews Need For Nuclear Energy," Nuclear Developments, 25 October 1990, p. 37.

23 September 1990
Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says Iran may cooperate with the Soviet Union in the construction of future nuclear power plants as a "logical consequence of the unacceptable attitude of West Germany since the victory of the Islamic revolution." He says Iran is waiting for a decision by West Germany on the completion of the Bushehr nuclear power plant "to take appropriate measures."
—"Iran Awaiting Final Word From Bonn on Bushehr Nuclear Plant," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 September 1990; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

October 1990
Nuclear Developments reports that Iran is cooperating with the Soviet Union in setting up new nuclear power plants in Iran.
—"Official on FRG, USSR Nuclear Plant Links" Nuclear Developments, 25 October 1990, p. 37.

October 1990
Khalil Musavi, Iran's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, does not confirm a report that the Soviet Union might rebuild the Bushehr PWRs that were damaged by Iraqi air strikes while under construction.
—Mark Hibbs, Nucleonics Week, 25 October 1990, pp. 1-2.

9 October 1990
At a meeting of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran chaired by Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani, the decision is made to rebuild the Bushehr nuclear power plant, damaged by numerous Iraqi attacks.
—"Iran Pledges To Complete Nuclear Plant," Middle East Defense News, 29 April 1991; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 October 1990
Khalil Musavi, Iran's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, says that Iran has been negotiating with the Soviet Union for the supply of several 440MW pressurized water reactors for about six or seven months.
—Mark Hibbs, "Iran Negotiating With USSR For Supply Of 'Several' PWRs," Nucleonics Week, 25 October 1990, pp. 1-2.

November 1990
Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani says Iran will abide by nuclear safeguards.
—Jim Mann, "Iran's Nuclear Plans Worry US Officials," Los Angeles Times, 27 January 1991, pp. A1, A28-A29.

6 November 1990
Hans Blix, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, meets with Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani and Reza Amrollahi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, to discuss an agreement banning nuclear weapons. Rafsanjani praises the IAEA's work in promoting safety and arms control. Referring to Iraq, Rafsanjani says that merely signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is not sufficient. Some countries, he says, will not adhere to international regulations, although of course Iran will.
—Nuclear Developments, 6 December 1990, p. 18.