Iran will definitely respond to any attack on its nuclear installations, the English-language daily Tehran Times said in a commentary, published on Tuesday.
The commentary was referring to a report published Monday in The Washington Post saying Israel and the United States are concerned about Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr in the southern part of the Islamic Republic. The American report added that some circles in Tel Aviv and Washington even advocate a preemptive attack to prevent the plant from becoming operational.
“Iran's nuclear installations are regularly inspected by the International Atomic Energy Agency, whose inspectors have time and again reported that Iran's installations are meant for peaceful purposes," the Iranian commentary said. "Iran is not the only country in the world with a nuclear power plant. There are many other countries which have nuclear power plants, yet no other countries have protested against them," Tehran Times wrote.
The Bushehr nuclear power plant is under construction with the help of Russian expertise and technology, and it is due to start operation next year after the first phase of the construction is completed. "Iran will definitely not sit by idly if its nuclear installations are attacked. Iran will take any measures it sees fit in such an event. It is a matter of national pride and security," the commentary concluded.
Israel views the Bushehr facility as a threat to its security, as Iran does not recognize its existence as a state, though Israeli experts rule out a military strike any time soon.
Meanwhile, two top U.S. officials arrive in Moscow on Tuesday, but their talks on a $20 billion deal to keep Soviet-era nuclear material safe from extremists could be overshadowed by Russia's blooming nuclear ties with Iran.
Russia's schemes to intensify long-term cooperation with Tehran are inclined to feature prominently in meetings between Energy Secretary Spencer Abrahams, Undersecretary of State John Bolton and a raft of senior Russian officials. Topping their concerns when meetings get under way on Wednesday will be Moscow plans outlined last week to construct up to six reactors in Iran, on top of an $800 million station already under construction at Bushehr. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
