Washington, May 10 (V7N)- The United States has completed the removal of highly enriched uranium from a research reactor in Venezuela in a sensitive international operation involving multiple partners, even as tensions continue over Iran’s nuclear program.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), around 13.5 kilograms of highly enriched uranium were safely extracted from a legacy reactor in Venezuela and transported to the United States for processing.

The operation took place at the RV-1 research reactor near Caracas and was conducted jointly by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Venezuelan authorities. Officials said the material was securely transported by land and sea before being transferred to a facility at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.

The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration described the mission as a major success in global nuclear security, stating it was completed in a matter of months due to “decisive leadership” from President Donald Trump.

Officials confirmed that the uranium had been stored for decades after the reactor’s research activities ended in 1991, and had remained classified as surplus high-risk material.

The operation also reflects a gradual shift in diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas, with recent developments including restored diplomatic contact, renewed commercial ties, and increased cooperation on security issues.

However, analysts note that the move comes at a time when the U.S. continues to face challenges in its broader nuclear diplomacy, particularly with Iran.

President Trump has repeatedly pressed Tehran to surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, estimated at over 400 kilograms, but Iranian authorities have rejected those demands so far.

A U.S. official involved in nuclear security operations said the Venezuela mission demonstrates what coordinated international efforts can achieve, while also highlighting the “far more complex challenge” posed by ongoing negotiations with Iran.

The Venezuelan operation is being viewed in Washington as a symbolic and strategic win, while global attention remains focused on whether similar diplomatic breakthroughs can be achieved in the Middle East nuclear standoff.

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