Russia toughens stance with Iran
22 March 2007
[Financial Times, Associated Press, 21 March] Russia has warned Iran that it might be increasingly difficult to complete construction of the 1000 MWe Bushehr nuclear power plant unless Iran suspends its uranium enrichment program. Igor Ivanov, secretary of Russia's National Security Council, said that Iran's failure to comply with international demands already meant some third-country suppliers could not fulfil agreements to deliver equipment for the nearly-completed plant because of sanctions imposed. Atomstroyexport, constructor of the plant, said that cooling equipment is among parts being delayed. Because of the delay, Russia has indefinitely postponed delivery of nuclear fuel it had promised to provide by the end of March. A large number of Russian technicians, engineers and other specialists have reportedly returned to Russia from Bushehr over the past week. Iran has failed to convince the international community that its enrichment program has any peaceful justification, and access to the Natanz enrichment plant by IAEA safeguards inspectors has recently been blocked. The UN Security Council is considering further sanctions which would ban Iranian arms exports and freeze the assets of 28 additional individuals and organizations involved in the country's nuclear and missile programs.
Further information
WNA's Iraq, North Korea & Iran - Implications for Safeguards information paper
WNN: Iran's "unprecedented attitude" leads to Bushehr delays
WNN: Iran: Enrichment freeze deadline approaches
WNN: Insight Briefing: Iran rebuked by sanctions