Iran has long faced accusations from the United States and Israel over claims that its nuclear programme hides a weapons agenda. Tehran rejects these allegations,for its nuclear work focuses on peaceful uses, especially nuclear medicine.
Iran has made steady progress in radiopharmaceutical production, which involves radioactive compounds used to diagnose and treat diseases. Asper the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, the country now produces more than 50 types of radiopharmaceutical products. Many of these are used in cancer detection and treatment.
The Tehran Research Reactor serves as the main facility for producing medical radioisotopes used in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies. The Bonab Nuclear Research Centre, conducts research in agriculture and medical applications of nuclear technology.
Iran produces several widely used medical isotopes. Molybdenum-99 and Technetium-99m support diagnostic imaging for heart disease and cancer detection. Iodine-131 is used in the treatment of thyroid cancer and thyroid disorders. Lutetium-177 supports treatment for prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours.
Iranian officials say these technologies help treat over one million patients each year. Iran also exports radiopharmaceutical products to countries such as Iraq and Lebanon and to some European markets.
The IAEA has reported no definitive evidence showing that Iran is actively developing nuclear weapons.