Iran FM Dismisses Azerbaijani Claims that Armenia’s Nuclear Plant Contaminates Araks River

Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, has dismissed claims suggesting that the Metsamor nuclear power plant in neighboring Armenia could contaminate the bordering Araks River with radioactive materials, as reported by Tasnim.

Participating in the meeting of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament on Sunday, Iran's FM responded to a query from a representative MP of the northwestern Ardabil Province of Iran, dismissing concerns regarding the potential radioactive contamination of the Araks River.

Amir-Abdollahian stated that the technical report and inspection conducted by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran discarded any likelihood of the Araks River being contaminated due to the operation of the Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia.

Earlier claims by the Azerbaijani media alleged that Armenia's Metsamor nuclear power plant discharges 12 to 16 thousand cubic meters of radioactive waste into the Araks River daily. The Araks River flows through Armenia, Iran, Turkey, and Nakhijevan.

In October of the previous year, Turkey called for the closure of Armenia’s Metsamor nuclear plant, directing an appeal to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during a meeting of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, according to Trend reports.

Emphasizing the plant's proximity, located merely 16 kilometers from the Turkish border, discussions at the Turkish Parliament highlighted concerns over the risks associated with nuclear power plants. The Petitions Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly was urged to take action against these perceived risks.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry highlighted that both the IAEA and the European Union have identified safety deficiencies at the Metsamor plant, emphasizing ongoing efforts by the IAEA to address design-related safety deficiencies through periodic visits and inspections.

Contrary to Turkey's stance, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed satisfaction with the safety and security enhancements observed at the Metsamor Armenian Nuclear Power Plant during his visit in October 2023. Grossi said the plant's commitment to providing low-carbon energy safely, acknowledging the vital role it plays in Armenia's economy.