Rosatom Pledges Continued Support for Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant

Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling all obligations to supply fuel and spare parts for Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, according to CEO Alexey Likhachev. The statement was made in an interview with Al Jazeera on May 26, addressing concerns about potential disruptions to the facility's operations.

Likhachev clarified that while the number of Russian specialists present at the Bushehr site has been reduced, this has not impacted the plant's operational capabilities. He emphasized that Rosatom, which originally constructed the first unit of the facility, continues to supply fuel and provide maintenance services as needed, with all work conducted under strict approval from Iran's operating organization. The plant is fully owned and legally operated by Iran and its designated operating organization.

Despite challenges posed by regional military tensions that have reduced active communications, Likhachev stressed that Rosatom has not ceased its work in Iran. He outlined ambitious plans for expanding cooperation between the two nations, expressing respect for Iranian nuclear scientists' efforts to restart and advance the Bushehr project. According to the Rosatom chief, Iranian teams have begun restarting operations and bringing personnel to the construction site, with Russian specialists actively supporting their efforts. He noted that while communications have become less frequent due to military action, direct contacts remain uninterrupted.