Russia Makes First Delivery of Nuclear Fuel to Iran

Russia has defied the wishes of the West by delivering its first shipment of nuclear fuel to Iran’s Bushehr power station.

Iran has confirmed the delivery of the first batch of about 80t, according to a report on news service Reuters.

Russia says Teheran has given assurance the nuclear fuel will not be used for an enrichment programme to develop nuclear weapons.

The US seems not so sure, however, with White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe saying: "If the Russians are providing the Iranians fuel, the Iranians have no reason to enrich uranium themselves."

Russia also urged Tehran to drop its uranium enrichment programme, which has caused Iran to be hit with two UN sanctions.

Russia is building the Bushehr plant, Iran's first, under a US$1bn contract, and says it is being constructed under supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog.

Russian officials say the next shipment for Bushehr is due in February.

By staff writer.