Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, has announced that the return of its personnel to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has been postponed due to ongoing tensions and the uncertain security situation in Iran.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev said, “Contradictory reports are being published regarding the negotiation process between Iran and the United States, and from time to time, there are reports of strikes on locations within Iran. For this reason, we have decided to postpone the return of our colleagues.”
He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been informed of the decision and had approved it. Following the outbreak of military conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, Rosatom had previously evacuated 813 of its employees from the Bushehr plant. According to company officials, only 20 personnel whose presence is essential for maintaining plant safety and continuing ongoing construction projects currently remain in Bushehr.
The Rosatom CEO also noted that construction work on the second and third units of the Bushehr plant is continuing, and that key equipment, including reactors and steam generators, is currently in production. The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is considered the most significant joint nuclear project between Iran and Russia, with Rosatom responsible for a major portion of its development and technical support.
