MNA – AEOI Spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Iran's membership in ITER megaproject has highly progressed, reaching to its final stages.

Pointing to the latest status of Iran’s membership in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) megaproject, Kamalvandi said “following mutual visits of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Head Ali Abar Salehi and chairman and members of the ITER project and the signing of cooperation agreements, positive measures have been taken in this regard and Iran will soon join the project.”

In his remarks, Kamalvandi said Iran is supposed to be an associate member, not a full member to the ITER. “With an associate status, we will have access to classified information,” he said.

Kamalvandi also said Tehran is not willing to become a full member due to the high costs Iran is supposed to pay yearly for its full membership.

“Project defines for itself horizons well beyond 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050,” said Kamalvandi, implying the long-term nature of the plan.

Describing ITER as an executive, technical, and scientific project which demands extensive scientific activity, he went on to add, “Iran will cooperate to share its know-how, and in return, the Islamic Republic will benefit from technology and information shared, as well.”