Moscow – Russia – The Russian state nuclear energy company, “Rosatom,” has announced the postponement of sending the first batch of its employees to resume work at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. This cautious move comes in response to recent security escalations and new attacks targeting Iranian territory. It highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of crews working on the plant’s expansion project. This project aims to construct two new units.
An Emergency Halt in the Capital
Alexei Likhachev, head of Rosatom, revealed details of the mission’s sudden halt. He explained that the first group, consisting of six specialized employees, had already begun their journey back to the Bushehr site. However, the company’s senior management made an urgent decision to halt their movement following continuous reports of attacks occurring over the past few hours. Consequently, the team was stopped in the capital, Tehran. They did not proceed towards the nuclear facility.
Conflicting Reports on Targeting the Plant’s Vicinity
These Russian measures coincide with statements made by an Iranian official to state media, indicating that an American projectile landed in an area near the Bushehr nuclear facility. The official clarified that the target was a military site located on the city’s outskirts. This happened amid a notable escalation of military tensions between Washington and Tehran.
On the other hand, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), sought to reassure the international community. He confirmed that the agency had not detected any direct attacks on the Bushehr nuclear plant itself. Grossi emphasized that the IAEA is closely monitoring developments on the ground. He issued a clear call to all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to ensure nuclear facilities are kept out of harm’s way.
The Future of the Expansion Project Amidst Conflict Fluctuations
Rosatom had previously announced its plan to return this batch of six employees as a first step following a massive evacuation involving hundreds of workers during the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Although recent military developments have forced a temporary suspension of this move pending stabilization of the security landscape, assurances from involved parties indicate that the strategic expansion project at the plant remains active. There is close monitoring from Russian and Iranian sides, as well as the international community.
