| In an unusual event, Iran has taken journalists to see its nuclear plants. It was an effort to prove to the United States and others that Iran is not using its nuclear program to produce nuclear weapons. |
The 1,000 megawatt reactor is located in the southwestern Iranian city of Bushehr, a port town on the Persian Gulf. Construction of the reactor began in the 1970s and is near completion.
Built and designed by Russian engineers, the facility is worth $800 million. Nuclear fuel for the reactor is also produced by Russians and is awaiting delivery. The U.S. is pressuring Russia to halt nuclear cooperation with Iran, but Russia has already built the reactor and signed a fuel deal.
For years, Iran kept its nuclear activities under wraps, so its unprecedented openness comes as a surprise to U.S. officials, who remain wary. The United States insists the civilian nuclear program is being used as a guise for weapons development.
White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan says one tour does not change things. "Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program under the cover of a civilian program. That remains a concern."
Iranian officials say they have no intention of producing nuclear weapons, and that the Bushehr site is under the scrutiny of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Fear aside, former UN weapons inspector Hans Blix dismissed worries about the Bushehr reactor. Blix says this reactor, at least, is not suitable to produce weapons-grade material. Iran argues its nuclear program is crucial to meet increased energy demands from a growing population. It is in negotiations with three European countries to renounce weapons in return for incentives.
| Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of State |
The U.S. has indicated it will seek United Nations sanctions against Iran if there is no agreement.
