Rosatom may begin returning specialists to Bushehr NPP in Iran starting mid-July

Lead

Rosatom could begin restoring staffing levels at Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) as early as mid-July, provided the security situation in the area remains calm, according to the company's chief executive, Alexey Likhachev. Speaking on the sidelines of the Innoprom forum in Yekaterinburg, Likhachev said the situation at the plant is currently stable and that, if it stays that way, the return of Russian specialists would proceed. He also stressed that completing the construction of the plant's second and third units is impossible without Rosatom.

Coverage Comparison

The reporting on this story comes exclusively from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which carried two separate articles based on Likhachev's remarks at the forum. Both reports rely on direct quotes from the CEO and present his statements without additional commentary. One article focuses on the potential return of specialists and the calm conditions at the plant, while the other highlights Rosatom's indispensable role in finishing the second and third units and its monitoring of Iran–US negotiations.

Because only one outlet's coverage was reviewed, the account presented here reflects a single source's reporting. The claims attributed to Likhachev are drawn from his own statements as cited by TASS.

Key Claims

• Rosatom's return timeline: Likhachev said Rosatom could begin restoring staffing levels at Bushehr starting in mid-July, but only if the situation around the plant continues to be calm. He noted that the schedule and procedures for the return of Russian specialists have been coordinated with security agencies.

• Current situation at Bushehr: The CEO described the situation at the Bushehr NPP as calm at present. He referenced a previous statement from June 17, when he said that the return of workers would begin once the risk of strikes on the plant's territory was minimized.

• Rosatom's role in construction: Likhachev asserted that completing the second and third units of the Bushehr NPP is impossible without Rosatom. He suggested the company would likely have a specific mission in resolving the broader Iranian nuclear issue.

• Monitoring of Iran–US negotiations: The CEO said Rosatom is closely monitoring the Iran–US negotiations and understands the full drama and details of these talks, at least what is in the public domain.

• Contact with the IAEA: Likhachev said Rosatom maintains contact with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the matter, and that questions concerning Iran and Bushehr would inevitably be touched upon during his talks with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Friday.

Perspectives

Likhachev's statements, as reported by TASS, present a single viewpoint — that of Rosatom's leadership. He frames the company's involvement in the Bushehr project as essential to its completion, while also linking the return of specialists to the prevailing security conditions and ongoing diplomatic efforts.