Iran has injected uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas into its IR-8 centrifuges, according to a statement by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). The AEOI says that the work is part of Iran's uranium enrichment research and development activities and is in line with the country's commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.  In a statement in December 2016, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that the IR-8 replaces the first generation IR-1 centrifuge.