TASS reported that on April 4 (local time), Russian nuclear energy corporation Rosatom began the main phase of the evacuation of personnel from the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, after successive attacks near this area.
According to Rosatom General Director Alexey Likhachev, a total of 198 people - mainly nuclear experts - left Bushehr by bus, heading towards the Iran-Armenia border. This is considered the largest evacuation since the conflict broke out.
We have started the main phase of the evacuation plan. Only about 20 minutes after the attack, buses departed," Mr. Likhachev said, emphasizing that the entire group is expected to leave Iran within 2-3 days.
According to the Russian side, the evacuation route is being maximally secured by Iran, while coordination with the Armenian government is going "smoothly". After crossing the border, experts will be taken to Yerevan to fly back home.
This move takes place in the context of continuous attacks on the area around the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Most recently, on April 3, a projectile fell near the plant premises, killing 1 security personnel. Although the main facility was not damaged, the incident continues to raise concerns about nuclear safety.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that attacks targeting nuclear power plants or nearby areas are "unacceptable", as this is where important radiation safety systems are located.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the situation in Bushehr is approaching a "dangerous line".
The worst can still be avoided, but the prerequisite is to immediately stop attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities," she emphasized.
Russia also condemned the latest casualties, and called on the international community to pay attention to the risk of uncontrolled escalation.
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi also expressed deep concern, emphasizing that both nuclear power plants and auxiliary areas should never become military targets.
Russia accuses the US and Israel of seriously weakening nuclear safety principles and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through attacks targeting Iran's energy facilities.
According to the latest news from Iranian media on April 4, the Bushehr plant is still operating normally after the attacks, with the entire system being tightly controlled.
