Home

WMD Programs

Iran's Suspect Entities

Iran's Suppliers

Our Publications

Enforcement Notebook

Iran Watch Library

International Organization Documents

Government Documents

Private Viewpoints

Reactions to Iran's WMD Efforts

Useful Links

Advanced Search

remarks bY Press Secretary robert gibbs on Bushehr plant

THE WHITE HOUSE

August 13 , 2010

Excerpts

 

. . .

Q Reaction to Russia’s announcement that it is fueling the nuclear power plant in Iran at Bushehr? Did we ask them recently not to do this? I presumed we’ve maintained all along that we don’t want them to do this until --

MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think this is -- I think what is important here is this is done under IAEA -- under the monitoring and the safeguards of the IAEA. Russia is providing for the fuel and taking the spent fuel back out of the country. It, quite clearly, I think, underscores that Iran does not need its own enrichment capability if its intentions, as it states, are for a peaceful nuclear program.

So I think, in many ways, this is a concept that closes that fuel loop, and I think, again, demonstrates and proves to the world that if the Iranians are sincere in a peaceful program, their needs can be met without undertaking its own enrichment program, which call into question its motives.

. . .

Q    Robert, back on Bushehr reactor, in March, when Secretary Clinton was in Russia, she said that it would be premature to open the plant until Iran had given the international community reassurances that its nuclear program was only for civil and peaceful purposes.  So what’s changed?  You seem to be endorsing it.

MR. GIBBS:  I would point you over to State.  I think they can answer the difference on where we are today.