Iran plans to build nuclear-powered submarines

TEHRAN, June 13 (MNA) – The deputy commander of the Iranian Navy announced that Iran plans to build nuclear submarines. Rear Admiral Abbas Zamini said that the Navy has planned to design and manufacture nuclear submarines, adding, “We are now in the early stages of the project to build nuclear submarines.” “In view of the advances we are making in the related areas, we hope that we will see the use of nuclear submarines by the Navy in the future,” he said. He also said, “When we have access to peaceful nuclear technology, so we are able to put the production of the propulsion system of nuclear submarines on the agenda.” In addition, he said the Navy’s policy is to be present on the open seas around the world, so the Navy needs vessels equipped with enhanced propulsion systems to enable it to expand the scope of its operations in international waters. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Navy official said that all countries have the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including for enhancing the propulsion systems of their vessels. A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor. The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over conventional submarines are considerable: nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for conventional submarines, and the large amount of power generated by a nuclear reactor allows nuclear submarines to operate at high speed for long durations.