U.S. Withdraws Highly Enriched Uranium from Venezuela

The United States, together with its partners, has finished removing surplus highly enriched uranium (HEU) from Venezuela’s decommissioned RV‑1 research reactor.

The rapid operation was carried out in partnership with Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The RV‑1 was initially constructed to support Venezuela’s scientific research and was later adapted to sterilize medical supplies, food, and other items using gamma rays.

Venezuelan officials packaged the enriched uranium last month, it was then transported by the United Kingdom, and it reached the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, in early May.

Washington recognized the IAEA’s technical assistance, noting that the effort builds on the agency’s collaboration with the United States and other member states to lower global nuclear risks.

“By leading the removal of dangerous nuclear material from Venezuela, the United States is safer and has strengthened nuclear security worldwide,” the State Department readout notes.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has confirmed the removal or proper disposition of more than 7,340 kilograms of weapons‑usable nuclear material.

The NNSA’s expertise, along with that of the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, enabled the United States to reach this nuclear‑security milestone within months, two years earlier than planned.