BREAKING: “We Cannot Risk It”—Putin Orders Evacuation of Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Plant Amid Fears of Catastrophe

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the evacuation of Russian personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, citing fears of a potential “catastrophe,” according to officials.

“Obviously, these explosions [nearby] are a serious threat,” said Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom. “It is unsafe for workers to remain at the site with these conditions.”

The Bushehr plant, Iran’s only operating commercial nuclear facility, has been a focal point of cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. 

Hundreds of Russian engineers and construction staff have been working on two new reactors, though construction has been suspended due to “explosions” heard from areas surrounding the site.

Likhachev confirmed that while the existing reactor remains operational, it contains 72 tons of nuclear fuel, with an additional 210 tons of spent fuel on site—a “huge mass of fissile material,” he warned. “A strike here would certainly be a regional catastrophe,” he said.

Despite the evacuation order, some staff are expected to stay behind to maintain essential operations. “We need personnel on-site to service equipment and complete work that cannot be paused,” Likhachev explained.

Putin, according to Rosatom officials, is personally overseeing the security arrangements for Russian citizens. 

“The situation in the area of the Bushehr NPP remains difficult,” Likhachev said. “But fortunately, no strikes have hit the plant itself, or the residential areas of our staff.”

Around 639 Russians remain at Bushehr, though the children of workers have already been evacuated. A second phase of removals is planned for the coming days.

The temporary suspension of construction represents a significant setback for Russia, as the plant has long been a symbol of collaboration with Iran in the energy sector. Yet, with escalating regional conflict, safety has become the overriding priority.

In his comments, Likhachev stressed the gravity of the situation: “All parties must understand the risk here, regardless of political affiliation. 

This is not just about Iran or Russia—it’s about regional safety and avoiding a disaster of unimaginable scale.”

Bushehr is located approximately 745 miles south of Tehran and remains separate from Iran’s controversial uranium enrichment facilities, though its strategic importance makes it a potential target in the ongoing regional conflict.