Russian Firm Presses Ahead With Staff Withdrawal From Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Plant

Moscow / Tehran |
Russia’s state nuclear company has confirmed it will proceed with the withdrawal of its remaining personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, refusing to reverse the decision despite a ceasefire being in place.
The head of the Russian nuclear firm stated that “the time has not yet come” to send colleagues back to the Bushehr facility. According to Arab media reports, 611 Russian specialists have already departed Iran via Armenia, while approximately 50 personnel remain at the plant and are expected to be evacuated shortly.
Bushehr is Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant, built and staffed by Russia under a long-standing bilateral agreement. The plant came under serious threat during the recent conflict, having been reportedly struck four times during hostilities — raising international alarm over nuclear safety in the region.
Analysts view the continued Russian withdrawal as a signal of deep uncertainty about the security situation, even as diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region gather pace. The development is likely to draw fresh scrutiny from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and global powers monitoring Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.