Nuclear security

Iran removes Arak nuclear reactor core and fills with concrete

Iran has removed the core of its Arak heavy water nuclear reactor and filled it with cement as required under a nuclear deal signed with world powers last year, the semi-official Fars news agency has said, citing an informed Iranian source.

Any such move, reducing the plant's ability to produce plutonium, might signal imminent implementation of the nuclear deal and clear the way for Tehran to receive relief from economic sanctions.

Separately, the European Union's foreign policy chief said that EU nuclear-related sanctions on Iran could be lifted soon.