Iran and Russia on Wednesday are carrying out a trial run of the new Bushehr nuclear reactor that Tehran began building 34 years ago. Iran says it hopes to use enriched uranium and bring the reactor into full operation by the end of this year.
The nuclear reactor cannot be used to produce a nuclear weapon as long as the country does not expel international inspectors. Wednesday’s trial run is being witnessed by foreign journalists.
“Virtual fuel” processed from lead is being used for the trial run of the reactor, which was built with a $1.1 billion investment by Russia, whose nuclear energy director will supervise Wednesday’s operation.
Iran has insisted that the plant will be used to generate electricity and will not be used for military purposes.