Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom is set to evacuate more than 200 personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant this week, according to CEO Alexei Likhachev.
The decision comes as regional tensions continue to escalate, raising concerns about the safety of critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities. Bushehr, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant, has been a key project supported by Russian expertise for years.
Likhachev stated that while most staff will be withdrawn, a smaller group of up to 50 specialists will remain at the facility. These individuals are said to be volunteers tasked with maintaining essential operations and ensuring the plant continues to run safely despite heightened risks.
The evacuation is part of a broader effort by Rosatom to reduce its on-ground presence while prioritizing employee safety. Previous phases have already seen non-essential personnel and families relocated out of Iran.
Despite the reduction in staff, operations at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant will continue under strict safety protocols. Experts note that nuclear facilities require constant monitoring and cannot be shut down abruptly without proper procedures.
The situation highlights growing concerns about the impact of regional conflict on sensitive infrastructure. Russian officials have repeatedly warned that nuclear sites must not become targets under any circumstances due to the potential for severe consequences.
The latest move reflects both caution and necessity, as geopolitical tensions continue to create uncertainty around the safety of foreign personnel and strategic facilities in the region.
