TEHRAN, Iran – Iran plans to build at least one more nuclear power plant despite international concern over its atomic program, the country’s top nuclear negotiator said Monday.
Ali Larijani said he did not expect the plan to affect upcoming nuclear talks with Europe.
“It is part of meeting our electricity needs; it is not a secret issue,” he told a news conference.
“We plan to construct two more nuclear power plants,” Larijani said, adding that the projects would be open to international bidding.
State-run television reported that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Cabinet ministers had decided Sunday night to build a reactor “based on domestic technology” in Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran.
It was unclear whether Larijani was describing two entirely new plants Monday, or one new plant in addition to the planned Khuzestan facility.
Iranian officials could not be reached for clarification.
Iran is under intense pressure to curb its nuclear program, which the United States and its allies claim is part of an effort to produce weapons. Iran says its program is limited to generating electricity.
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