The US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced the successful removal of all highly enriched uranium from the RV-1 research reactor in Venezuela. This operation, which took place in coordination with the Venezuelan Ministry of Science and Technology and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is seen as a crucial step in enhancing nuclear security in South America and the US. NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams highlighted that the safe removal signals a renewed commitment from Venezuela. The operation involved the extraction of 13.5 kilograms (approximately 30 pounds) of uranium, which was securely packaged and transported roughly 100 miles to a port before being shipped to the United States. The uranium will be processed at the Savannah River Site for use in US nuclear energy programs. Since 1996, NNSA has successfully removed or confirmed the disposition of over 7,350 kilograms (about 16,250 pounds) of highly enriched uranium and plutonium from various countries as part of global nuclear nonproliferation initiatives.