Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, stated on 29/1 that the company is prepared to implement evacuation measures for its personnel at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant if necessary. He emphasized, "We sincerely hope all parties involved will uphold commitments regarding the inviolability of the Bushehr nuclear power plant area, but we are also closely monitoring developments."
Bushehr, Iran's only operational nuclear power plant, was constructed by Russia starting in 1995 and connected to the grid in 2011. Likhachev noted in an interview with Russian television in 11/2025 that about 3,000 specialists work at the facility, including about 700 Russian citizens assisting with the construction of two new units.
Should an evacuation become necessary, Rosatom would coordinate closely with Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense, Likhachev confirmed.
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The Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran in 4/2024. Photo: AFP |
According to Likhachev, the Bushehr plant area was considered "the safest place" in Iran when the United States and Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in 6/2025. This was due to commitments from all parties to respect the area's inviolability. He revealed that President Vladimir Putin directly discussed the safety of personnel and the plant in Bushehr with the parties involved in that conflict. Likhachev warned that an attack on Bushehr could lead to a catastrophic nuclear incident similar to the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
The Rosatom head's remarks about potential evacuation coincide with recently escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington. The United States deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East earlier this week, and President Donald Trump warned Iran was running out of time to negotiate on its nuclear program.
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Location of the Bushehr nuclear power plant and Iran's nuclear facilities. Graphic: AFP |
During a meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 29/1, President Putin stated that Russia is closely monitoring all developments related to Iran. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, on the same day, urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid using force to resolve disagreements. He affirmed that the potential for Tehran-Washington negotiations "remains very high", cautioning that any military action targeting Tehran would plunge the Middle East into chaos.
By Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, TASS, Iran International)
