US Completes Removal of Nuclear Material from Venezuela

The United States has recovered all 13.5 kg of enriched uranium, a nuclear material, from Venezuela's research reactor and transported it to the U.S. This nuclear material, which remained after research at the reactor concluded in 1991, arrived in the U.S. in early May and its processing has been completed. The uranium recovered from the RV-1 reactor had an enrichment level of over 20%. While this material holds value for specific industrial and research purposes, it could pose significant security and economic risks if not managed improperly.

This action was taken to enhance nuclear material security and manage potential financial risks. The operation was expedited and completed in a matter of months under the direction of President Donald Trump. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) stated that thanks to President Trump's leadership, an operation that could normally take years was concluded in a short period.

This removal of nuclear material is interpreted as part of international efforts to strengthen nuclear security and demonstrates the safe management of related assets. The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to recover this material. The nuclear material arrived in the U.S. via a vessel provided by the UK's Nuclear Transport Solutions and is scheduled to be processed at facilities at the Savannah River Site.