Moscow: The head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom announced that President Vladimir Putin has taken additional steps to ensure the safety of Russian staff at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran. During a joint press conference with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, Alexey Likhachev shared insights into the ongoing situation at the nuclear facility.
According to Anadolu Agency, Likhachev informed the IAEA chief about the current developments at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant during their extensive discussions on the Middle East, particularly focusing on Iran. He emphasized Putin's close involvement in ensuring the safety of Russian personnel, highlighting regular reports on the situation, including safety measures and evacuation efforts.
Likhachev stated that several steps have been taken by the president to safeguard the staff and convoys evacuating personnel from the site, though he did not provide specific details. He refuted any claims of nuclear weapons presence in Iran, noting the absence of evidence beyond political statements.
Rosatom remains committed to maintaining the operation of Bushehr-1 and ensuring the continued construction of the station, Likhachev added. In an earlier statement, Rosatom confirmed ongoing consultations with the IAEA, which also covered the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant situation.
On a related note, Likhachev revealed that 150 specialists were evacuated from Bushehr on March 10 and 11, with around 450 Russian personnel still present at the facility.
During the press conference, Grossi acknowledged the "problematic" nature of Iran's nuclear program, stressing the importance of transparency and access for the IAEA to provide credible assurances to the international community. He urged Iran to facilitate necessary inspections and expressed hope for a return to negotiations for a long-term agreement.
In discussions with Russian journalists, Grossi emphasized the need for a long-term solution to the nuclear issue, highlighting the delicate situation in the Middle East and the fine line between peace and conflict. He reiterated the IAEA's commitment to supporting technical expertise in achieving a reasonable agreement.