Summary

In early May 2026, a multinational operation led by the United States, in partnership with Venezuela and the United Kingdom and with technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), successfully removed 13.5 kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU) from Venezuela’s shuttered RV-1 research reactor. The operation, coordinated by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), was completed in less than six weeks following the initial site assessment—over two years ahead of the original schedule. Venezuelan authorities, including the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), provided technical and logistical support, while the UK’s Nuclear Transport Solutions supplied the specialized vessel for maritime transport. The IAEA served as technical adviser and observer throughout the process. The HEU was securely transported overland to Puerto Cabello, shipped to the United States, and delivered to the Savannah River Site in South Carolina for processing, marking a significant milestone in international nuclear security cooperation.

 

Detailed Report

1. Operation Overview and Timeline

The removal of HEU from Venezuela’s RV-1 research reactor was executed as a collaborative effort involving the United States, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and the IAEA. The operation commenced with a site assessment by U.S. and international experts and concluded in early May 2026, less than six weeks later. According to the U.S. State Department, this accelerated timeline was achieved through close coordination among all parties and was completed more than two years ahead of the original schedule.

 

2. U.S. Leadership and Technical Execution

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, together with the Department of Energy’s NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, led the planning and technical execution. NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams stated, “The safe removal of all enriched uranium from Venezuela sends another signal to the world of a restored and renewed Venezuela.” The operation involved packaging 13.5 kilograms of HEU into a certified spent fuel cask at the IVIC facility, with U.S. and Venezuelan technical teams overseeing the process.

 

3. Venezuelan Participation and Consent

Venezuelan authorities, including the Ministry of Science and Technology and IVIC, played a direct role in the operation. Technical experts from these agencies assisted in the preparation and packaging of the HEU, while the Venezuelan military provided security for the overland transport of the material. The uranium was escorted approximately 100 miles from the IVIC site to the port of Puerto Cabello, demonstrating Venezuela’s operational consent and logistical involvement.

 

4. United Kingdom’s Logistical Role

The United Kingdom contributed critical logistical support through its government-owned Nuclear Transport Solutions, which supplied the specialized maritime carrier for the HEU shipment. The material was transferred at Puerto Cabello and shipped by sea to the United States. While the UK government did not issue a public statement, its technical and operational role was acknowledged by U.S. and international agencies.

 

5. IAEA Oversight and International Safeguards

The IAEA provided technical expertise, safety guidance, and served as an independent observer throughout the removal process. Director General Rafael Grossi praised “the professionalism of all the parties involved.” The operation was conducted under IAEA safeguards and in accordance with international non-proliferation treaties, ensuring compliance with global nuclear security standards.

 

6. Final Disposition and Security Impact

Upon arrival in the United States, the HEU was unloaded and transported to the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. The Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management took custody of the material, which will be processed at the H-Canyon facility for conversion to high-assay low-enriched uranium for domestic use. The State Department emphasized, “By leading the removal of dangerous nuclear material from Venezuela, the United States is safer and has strengthened nuclear security worldwide.”

 

7. Multilateral Cooperation and Precedent

This operation is part of a broader international effort to reduce the proliferation risks associated with civilian stocks of HEU. The IAEA’s involvement and the trilateral cooperation among the United States, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom underscore the effectiveness of multilateral approaches to nuclear security. The successful and expedited removal of HEU from Venezuela sets a precedent for future operations in other countries.

 

Conclusion

The removal of highly enriched uranium from Venezuela’s RV-1 reactor was a coordinated, multinational effort involving the United States, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and the IAEA. The operation was completed safely, securely, and ahead of schedule, with all parties contributing technical expertise and logistical support. This mission represents a significant achievement in global nuclear non-proliferation and security.