Russia says any issue with Iran over Bushehr plant can’t affect Vienna talks

A senior Russian diplomat has rejected media claims that “differences” between Russia and Iran over the joint nuclear power plant project in Bushehr are affecting the multilateral negotiations underway in Vienna on a potential revitalization of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Russian Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov told Sputnik News on Tuesday that any issues between Iran and Russia cannot influence the Vienna negotiations on a revival of the nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which has been in crisis since the US’s unilateral exit in May 2018.

Some media reports have claimed that Moscow and Tehran have disagreements related to the payment of salaries to the Bushehr plant’s personnel, which allegedly could affect the course of the Vienna talks.

Citing an “informed Russian source,” the Persian service of Britain’s Independent daily claimed Monday that “the serious differences between Tehran and Moscow are influencing the situation of the Viennese talks.”

Ulyanov did not clarify if there was any such problem between the two countries, but said, “Such speculations are not true. If any problems arise in the relations between economic entities, this cannot affect the course of the Vienna negotiations on the restoration of the JCPOA.”

Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said on Saturday that the Bushehr nuclear power plant would be reconnected to the national grid within the next few days after it was temporarily shut down due to a technical fault.

Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant to be reconnected to national grid soon: AEOI chief

Iran’s nuclear chief says Bushehr nuclear power plant will be reconnected to the national grid within the next two or three days.

He also added, “We are supplying new fuel to Bushehr power plant and its financial resources are also being supplied.”

Russia has been involved in Iran’s nuclear power generation efforts more than any country. It is currently supplying the nuclear fuel used at Bushehr, but the Islamic Republic has said it wants to make its own fuel so that it will have secure supplies in the future.

President Hassan Rouhani said earlier this month that Iran has started constructing two new nuclear power plants in cooperation with Russia, praising the close relations that the two sides have forged in various fields, especially defense, besides the energy sector.

JCPOA must be put back on track: EU’s Borrell

Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Monday praised Russia’s role in the international arena, including its efforts, as a signatory, to revive the JCPOA.

Vienna deal still possible if US stops Trump's failed legacy: Iran Foreign Ministry spox

An Iranian diplomat says Tehran and the remaining signatories to the JCPOA can still reach an agreement on the deal revival only if the US stops pursuing Trump’s failed legacy.

Tehran insists that all sanctions should first be removed in a verifiable manner before the Islamic Republic reverses its remedial measures.

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