TEHRAN – As Iran on Saturday began the practical step for the construction of two new nuclear power plants at the site of the Bushehr nuclear site with the Russian help First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri said Tehran is firm to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

The project, with a value of $10 billion, follows Tehran's landmark nuclear deal with world powers last year.
 
“The country’s need for new energies and their use in various areas such as health and industry is not something be abandoned by the Iranian nation,” Jahangiri said during the launching ceremony for the two plants that some other officials including Iran’s atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi and Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Sergey Vladilenovich Kiriyenko were present.

Jakahngiri also said that building of the nuclear power plants is an indication that Moscow is committed to the July 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The vice president called Russia a “strategic friend and partner” and said that the two countries can cooperate in various spheres.

Jahangiri also highlighted the importance of defense cooperation between Iran and Russia in fighting terrorism.

Elsewhere, he said that durability of the JCPOA is contingent upon meeting the obligations under the deal by each side.

Salehi said the new nuclear plants will add over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power generating capacity in one decade.

NA/PA