Russia has delayed the shipment of nuclear fuel to Iran. Russian state-owned firm Atomstroiexport announced on Monday that a shipment of nuclear fuel would not be delivered as scheduled in March because of delays in payment by Iran. This is a major political blow to the Iranians, coming at a time when pressure is increasing on the one hand, and Iran is becoming ever more defiant on the other. Being a "friendly nation" that stands in the way makes it all the more painful.
In what has become typical for Iranian politicians, harsh words emanated as a result from Teheran. Chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said the delay was "deplorable," while Iranian lawmaker Rasoul Sediqi Bonabi went as far as to say "Russians are extortionists...Moscow has never been a reliable partner and will never be so in the future."
Nevertheless, Larijani expects the Russians will stick to their side of the bargain, rejecting reports that said Russia would not proceed with the Bushehr plant unless Iran suspends uranium enrichment, as the UN Security Council has repeatedly demanded. "We have not received such a message from Russia," he said. Iran's atomic agency also denies Russia's claim that it is behind on payments, saying it has met all its financial obligations.
In what has become typical for Iranian politicians, harsh words emanated as a result from Teheran. Chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said the delay was "deplorable," while Iranian lawmaker Rasoul Sediqi Bonabi went as far as to say "Russians are extortionists...Moscow has never been a reliable partner and will never be so in the future."
Nevertheless, Larijani expects the Russians will stick to their side of the bargain, rejecting reports that said Russia would not proceed with the Bushehr plant unless Iran suspends uranium enrichment, as the UN Security Council has repeatedly demanded. "We have not received such a message from Russia," he said. Iran's atomic agency also denies Russia's claim that it is behind on payments, saying it has met all its financial obligations.
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