Iran
Isfahan (Esfahan) Nuclear Fuel Research and Production Center (NFRPC)
About
Established in 1974 with French assistance, the Isfahan (Esfahan) Nuclear Fuel Research and Production Center (NFRPC) conducts research on uranium mining, conversion and fuel production. 1 It comprises a Nuclear Engineering Department, a Metallurgical Engineering and Fuel Department, a Chemistry Department, and a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor Department. 2 In 2004, construction of a fuel manufacturing plant (FMP) began that was to produce fuel rods for the IR-40 heavy water reactor and the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. However, as of November 2010, missing equipment and sanctions had stalled its completion. 3 The NFRPC is the target of both U.S. and UN sanctions. 4 Additionally, UNSCR 1747 imposed an international travel ban and assets freeze on Amir Rahimi, head of the NFRPC.
In July 2022, Iran announced plans to build a new nuclear research reactor at the Isfahan site.5
In June 2025, this facility was damaged by Israeli airstrikes as part of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. These attacked were targeted at Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure. While satellite imagery analysis confirms that this facility has been damaged, its exact operability status is unknown.6
Glossary
- Uranium
- Uranium is a metal with the atomic number 92. See entries for enriched uranium, low enriched uranium, and highly enriched uranium.
- Sanctions
- Punitive measures, for example economic in nature, implemented in response to a state's violation of its international obligations.
- Research reactor
- Research reactor: Small fission reactors designed to produce neutrons for a variety of purposes, including scientific research, training, and medical isotope production. Unlike commercial power reactors, they are not designed to generate power.
Sources
- Ghannadi-Maragheh, “Atomic Energy Organization of Iran,” Presented at the World Nuclear Association Annual Symposium, World Nuclear Association, 2002, 4-6 September 2002, www.world-nuclear.org.
- Ghannadi-Maragheh, “Atomic Energy Organization of Iran,” Presented at the World Nuclear Association Annual Symposium, World Nuclear Association, 2002, 4-6 September 2002, www.world-nuclear.org.
- “Iranian Entity: Isfahan (Esfahan) Nuclear Technology Center,” Iran Watch, www.iranwatch.org.
- Kenneth Katzman, “Iran Sanctions,” Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, 23 June 2010.
- In July 2022, Iran announced plans to build a new nuclear research reactor at the Isfahan site.
- According to satellite analysis by Sam Lair at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, June 2025.