Iran preparing to build more nuclear power plants

Head of state-owned nuclear energy production company says signed agreements with other domestic firms to find locations to build new nuclear power plants within 13 months
Dudi Cohen and AP

Iran's official news agency says the country is preparing to build more nuclear power plants.

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Tuesday's IRNA report quotes Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh, the head of a state-owned nuclear energy production company.

He says his company signed agreements with six other domestic firms to find locations to build new nuclear power plants. He says the process could take about 13 months.

Iran has previously announced plans to build six more nuclear power plants by 2021.

About a year ago the Iranian government issued an international tender calling on foreign construction companies to bid on two nuclear power plants. According to Fayyazbakhsh, 62 companies applied, including firms from Russia, Switzerland and Canada.

The country is building its first nuclear power plant in the southern port of Bushehr with the help of Russia. It is expected to go on line later this year.

It is estimated that Iran's announcement on the planned construction of new nuclear plants is aimed at showing the permanent members of the UN Security Council that the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic are not hindering the development of its nuclear program.

The US suspects Iran's nuclear program is a cover for developing weapons. Iran denies this, saying it's for generating electricity.