In 2008, Tehran Research Reactor, which was used only for research and medical purposes and produced pharmaceutical isotopes, faced a fuel depletion crisis. And Argentina, which was in charge of fueling the reactor, stopped to do so because of the US intervention. The shutdown of the central core of the Tehran reactor due to lack of fuel as well as the cessation of providing radiopharmaceuticals for patients with special disease and the crisis created in the country made the authorities to consider supplying fuel to 20% for the reactor inside the country. Therefore, making necessary preparations in the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant in Qom province, the then president called for the production of 20% uranium on February 7, 2010; and in September 2010, Iran announced that it had succeeded in producing 25 kg of 20% uranium in Natanz; and thus, Iran also joined world nuclear club.

Some benefits of self-sufficiency in 20% fuel production:

1. Iran does not need Western countries to supply fuel for Tehran's

important power plant 2. Making a profit through 20% fuel sales based on its NPT options 3. Experiencing enrichment in higher levels 4. Increased capability of nuclear volatility with 20% enriched uranium