TEHRAN -- Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Director Ali Akbar Salehi has invited officials of Persian Gulf states to visit Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“Arab states of the Persian Gulf could make use of Iran’s experience in building nuclear plants. We invite them to come and visit our nuclear facilities,” Salehi told reporters at a press conference in Tehran earlier yesterday.
Asked when the Bushehr nuclear power plant will become operational, he said, “The Bushehr plant is undergoing tests. Once fuel is placed into the main tank of the plant, it will be ready for operation, which will be announced at the appropriate time.”
Commenting on the many delays in the project, Salehi stated that the Bushehr plant might be a unique case in the world since it is a mix of Western and Eastern technology.
He dismissed claims that the delay in the completion of the plant is politically motivated, saying, “There have been various issues behind such delays, the main ones being financial and technical hurdles.”
Salehi, who is also one of Iran’s vice presidents, called the cooperation between Iran and Russia in the construction of the Bushehr plant positive, saying the two countries are working together closely to complete the plant.
In response to a reporter’s question, he said Iran would not be asking the Russians for compensation for the delays in the completion of the Bushehr plant.
On the construction of the Darkhovein nuclear plant in southern Iran, he said, “The plant will be indigenous. We are currently working on the design of the plant and (making efforts for) the provision of the necessary equipment and the facilities for the construction of the plant