Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom's CEO said Thursday that Russian specialists will gradually return to Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, according to a report on an Iranian affairs the source. The executive also reiterated the company's willingness to participate in diluting the Islamic Republic's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev said today (Thursday) that Russian nuclear specialists will gradually return to the Bushehr power plant in southern Iran, according to a report on the Iran-focused the source 'Iran News'. The executive also noted that he had previously stated the company's readiness to participate in diluting Iran's enriched uranium stockpile — an apparent reference to ongoing international negotiations over the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.
The Bushehr plant, Iran's only operational nuclear power reactor, has been serviced by Russian experts since its completion in 2011. The return of Russian personnel had been disrupted during the recent period of heightened tensions and sanctions pressure. Likhachev's statement comes against the backdrop of diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran over a memorandum of understanding that would address Iran's enriched uranium stockpile — as The Zioneer has reported in recent days. Western and Israeli officials have expressed concern that any framework allowing enrichment to continue in situ, even with IAEA oversight, could leave Iran with a latent breakout capability.
It remains unclear when the return of Russian experts is expected to begin, or whether the statement signals a specific change in operational status at the facility.
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