Global
Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia's Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, announced that the corporation has begun the process of returning its employees to the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. Likhachev affirmed that the number of staff is expected to reach 100 by autumn. Likhachev clarified, "We have started returning specialists to the construction site of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The first five engineers and technicians have arrived at their accommodation and commenced their work." This brings the total number of Russian specialists currently at the site to 25. He further stated that the next group, comprising dozens of employees, is planned for dispatch within the next two weeks, contingent upon no renewed escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran. He added, "If things proceed smoothly, the number of employees on our project is anticipated to reach 100 by autumn." Likhachev also indicated that their plans include the return of all specialists previously evacuated from Iran as soon as possible. However, he emphasized that a return to pre-conflict conditions would only be feasible after a final ceasefire agreement is reached between the United States and Iran. Concurrently, construction continues on the main and auxiliary buildings for power units 2 and 3 at the site, and preparatory work on the hydraulic facilities has commenced. Last April, Rosatom announced the evacuation of over 600 Russian employees and experts from the Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran. This precautionary decision was taken to protect lives and ensure the safety of technical personnel following US and Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory and the proximity of threats to the facility's vicinity.
