Russian Exporter Keen On New Iran Nuclear Work

Rosatom's Nikolai Spassky

A senior executive at Russia's state-run nuclear company says it is ready to help Iran build a new nuclear plant.

Russia has already helped Iran construct its first civilian nuclear power plant in Bushehr.

Rosatom deputy head Nikolai Spassky was quoted on May 29 as saying that "if it is not forbidden and if it is profitable, if there is indeed a project -- then yes, we are ready."

Iranian state media reported on May 27 that Iran was ready to start and possibly complete a new nuclear power plant at Bushehr as early as 2014.

Spassky said the Russian and Iranian sides held "preliminary discussions" but that no deals have yet been finalized.

The United Nations Security Council, which includes Russia, has imposed four rounds of sanctions on Iran because of its alleged nuclear-weapons program.

Tehran insists its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes.

Based on reporting by AFP and ITAR-TASS