Russia raises alarm over conflict's impact on Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran

Rosatom warns explosions are heard nearby and evacuations continue, though the plant itself is not targeted

Satellite image shows the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, in Bushehr Province, Iran, May 26, 2025. 2025 Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS

The Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran is under threat as a result of the escalating conflict, the head of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said on Tuesday, according to the RIA state news agency.

"There is certainly a threat to the plant," Likhachev was cited as saying. "Explosions can be heard just kilometres away", he added, saying the plant itself was not being targeted.

Rosatom said on Saturday it had evacuated nearly 100 people from Iran, including employees' children and non-essential staff, but other personnel have remained at the plant, which was built by Russia in the Iranian port city of Bushehr.

Likhachev said the next stage of evacuations involving 150 to 200 people from the plant would happen when the situation permits, according to comments cited by the Interfax news agency.