Iran begins construction of new nuclear power plant

SANAA, Dec. 04 (YPA) – Iran announced the start of construction of a new nuclear power plant in the southwest of the country.

Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, told reporters, “The establishment of the (Karoon) nuclear power plant ,with a capacity of 300 megawatts, in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, would provide new industrial and technological capacity for the country,” according to the official Iranian news agency, IRNA.

He added that the process of establishing the first phase of the plant in the City of Darwin began “by making maximum use of local energy within the framework of the comprehensive strategic document that includes the development of the nuclear power plant.”

Eslami pointed out that the establishment of that stage “has been stalled for many years due to the non-compliance of foreigners with their commitments,” while an Islamist described the project as important and necessary, especially in Khuzestan province.

The Iranian announcement came amid escalating tensions with the United States over the comprehensive sanctions imposed on Iran, following Washington’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal with world powers.

AA