Tehran says that it needs the reactor to produce medical isotopes.

The Labs produce about half of the world's medical isotopes.

Iran is stating its for medical isotopes; they could be lying, but how do you know?

There is a small research reactor in Tehran making medical isotopes, installed by the Americans many years ago.

However, as these reactors began to age, it became clear that a new facility would be needed to continue the production of medical isotopes.

This is made necessary by the nature of medical isotopes; many have short half-lives, and must be used within a few days of production.

The Berkeley cyclotron was later used to produce medical isotopes for research and treatment.

The Iranians say it is for research and making medical isotopes.

Local boosters once said it could be used to make medical isotopes.

The upgrade took longer than expected and in December 2007, a critical shortage of medical isotopes occurred.