Lead
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev has said that the return of Russian specialists to Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) would be premature given the current military situation, even as the state corporation develops plans to expand its workforce at the site. In statements to reporters and in an interview with Al Jazeera, Likhachev detailed the status of ongoing construction and reaffirmed Rosatom's commitment to its contractual obligations.
Coverage Comparison
All reporting on this story comes from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which carried remarks made by Likhachev on three separate occasions between May 8 and May 26. The first set of comments, published on May 8, focused on equipment manufacturing and shipping schedules. The second, on May 16, addressed personnel planning in the context of the military situation. The third, in an interview with Al Jazeera published on May 26, covered fuel and spare parts supply obligations for Unit 1.
The TASS reports consistently present Likhachev's statements without additional commentary, reflecting the agency's role as a conduit for official Russian government positions.
Key Claims
Equipment and Construction Progress
During the May 8 remarks, Likhachev said Rosatom plans to ship key equipment for Bushehr in 2027. He reported that the reactor for Unit 2 is more than 60% complete and that steam generators are 50% complete. He also mentioned ongoing work on metal blanks for Unit 3 equipment.
"The project remains a priority for us," Likhachev said, emphasizing that manufacturing is proceeding as planned.
Personnel Deployment
Likhachev addressed the question of Russian specialists at the site on multiple occasions. On May 16, he told reporters that Rosatom has begun developing plans to increase the number of Russian personnel for Unit 2 construction. However, he said the return of Russians to the site is premature given the military situation.
"We have started developing plans to increase our numbers. At the same time, we have to take into account the military situation," he said. He cited recent exchanges of blows between Iran and the United States and reports in the American press about a possible resumption of the conflict, adding: "We have no right to decide on the return of personnel to the site in full until the situation is clarified."
In the May 8 comments, Likhachev said Rosatom is ready to send specialists back after the end of the military conflict. "We are ready to promptly mobilize and return Rosatom employees to Iran in full force as soon as we are convinced there is no risk of renewed military conflict or threat to the lives and health of our comrades," he said.
Unit 1 Operations and Fuel Supply
In the Al Jazeera interview, Likhachev said that the reduction in the number of Russian specialists has not affected operations at Unit 1 of the Bushehr NPP. He stated that the unit is operated and legally owned by Iran, with Rosatom having built it and now supplying fuel and maintenance services as needed, subject to approval from the operating organization.
"Regarding Unit 1, the reduction in the number of Russian specialists hasn't affected its operations in any way," Likhachev said. "We're not present there permanently, but we will fully fulfill all our obligations to supply fuel and spare parts."
Cooperation with Tehran
Likhachev expressed ambitious plans for further cooperation with Tehran, while acknowledging that communications have become less active due to military action. He praised the efforts of Iranian nuclear scientists to restart the Bushehr project.
"We have ambitious plans for further developing our cooperation," he said. "We understand that Iranian nuclear scientists are currently making every effort to restart the Bushehr project. We have enormous respect for their work to move the Bushehr site forward." He added: "We do not stop working in Iran for a second."
Perspectives
Rosatom / Alexey Likhachev
Rosatom, as represented by CEO Alexey Likhachev, emphasizes its commitment to the Bushehr project despite the challenging security environment. The corporation presents itself as fulfilling its obligations on fuel and spare parts, continuing equipment manufacturing, and preparing to increase personnel once conditions allow. Likhachev frames the decision to hold back specialists as a protective measure for employees, citing the risk of renewed military conflict.