- Putin confirmed that over 200 Russian nuclear specialists are currently working at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, and this number may increase to 600 .
- Russia will not withdraw its personnel, stating “We are not leaving” and that an agreement with Israel ensures the safety of its staff.
- Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear agency, warns that any Israeli strike on the facility risks a “Chernobyl‑style catastrophe”, underscoring the dangers of military action near Bushehr.
- Beyond safeguarding Russian workers, Putin has proposed that Moscow could act as a mediator in the Iran–Israel conflict, aiming for a diplomatic solution that balances Iran’s civilian nuclear ambitions with Israel’s security concerns.
🔍 Context & Background
- Bushehr Power Plant
- Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant, with an initial 1,000 MWe VVER reactor built by Russia and running since 2011.
- Two additional reactors are under construction at Bushehr, expected to come online late this decade.
- Enhanced Russia–Iran Nuclear Cooperation
- In January 2025, Putin and Iran’s President Pezeshkian signed a 20‑year strategic partnership covering nuclear collaboration, including Bushehr phase 2 and potential new plants.
- Rosatom is reportedly planning more nuclear units in Iran as Tehran seeks to boost its domestic electricity supply .
- Geopolitical Stakes
- Russia aims to protect its civilian engineers and maintain influence in Iran’s nuclear sphere.
- Moscow’s warnings and guarantees to Israel are part of its attempt to avoid escalation while offering itself as a diplomatic actor.
🧭 Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Russian experts | >200 currently, possibly 600 in future |
| Putin’s message | Russia remains committed and will not withdraw |
| Safety guarantees | Israel has agreed to protect Russian personnel |
| Rosatom warning | Any strike on Bushehr could have catastrophic consequences |
| Diplomatic role | Russia positions itself to mediate between Iran and Israel |
Bottom line: Putin’s remarks highlight Russia’s deep involvement in Iran’s civilian nuclear sector—with Russian engineers on-site and backing for reactor expansions. They also reflect Moscow’s broader diplomatic balancing act: deterring regional military strikes while offering a mediating role to defuse tensions between Iran and Israel.
Would you like a deeper dive into any of these points? I can explore Rosatom’s reactor projects, the strategic implications of the Russia–Iran treaty, or the technical risks at Bushehr.
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