The Chairman of the Iraqi Atomic Energy Authority and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, affirmed Iraq's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its application in educational, developmental, and health fields.

This came during a joint press conference with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi. Dr. Al-Aboudi explained that collaboration with the agency to establish an Iraqi nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes will contribute to providing scientific and technical solutions in the fields of cancer treatment, combating desertification, addressing the climate crisis, and water management.

He added that Iraq has qualified scientists capable of restoring the country’s role and right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He noted that the past two weeks witnessed a visit by a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency to Iraq, culminating in the Director General's visit to Baghdad to resume cooperation between the agency and the Iraqi Atomic Energy Authority. He praised the agency's support in establishing a zero-power nuclear reactor for educational purposes and training students and researchers.

For his part, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi announced during the press conference the initiation of a new collaboration between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iraq, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He confirmed that a team from the agency is in Baghdad to work on achieving a peaceful nuclear energy program that adheres to international standards, similar to several countries in the region.