Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

8 January 2001
Moscow's Segodnya reports that two Russian companies, Atommash of Volgodonsk, and Izhorsk and Podolsk Machine-Building Plants [Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg], will provide much-needed parts for the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran. The shipment comes in light of what the Moscow daily states is Iran's "chronic electricity crisis," and will consist of window covers, atomic filters, and domed roofs.
—Bill Samii, "Russia Ships Parts to Bushehr," Iran Report, 8 January 2001, Vol. 4, No. 1, <http://www.rferl.org>.

11 January 2001
The footing for a reactor at Bushehr ships from Volgodonsk en route to Iran. The piece was made by Atommash, a Russian producer of nuclear power plant equipment.
—Vyacheslav Bondarenko, "Russia: First Segments of Nuclear Power Plant Sent to Iran," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 12 January 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010112000336, 12 January 2001.

16 January 2001
Yevgeniy Adamov, the Russian Atomic Energy Minister, says Russia is working on a feasibility study for constructing a second reactor at Bushehr. [Note: See 13 June 2001.] The first reactor is 90% complete, he says, though it is not slated to go into operation until 2003. [Note: See 27 June 2001.]
—Veronika Voskoboynikova, "Russia Starts Work on Second Reactor For Iranian Nuclear Power Station," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 16 January 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010116000122, 16 January 2001.

24 January 2001
Israeli news outlet MIGnews reports that Israel and the United States paid Ukraine not to take part in the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. According to MIGnews, Israel gave humanitarian aid to Ukraine, part of which was used to build a new wing at the Medical Academy of Kharkov. The United States paid Ukraine $250,000.
—Igor Moldavsky, "Moshe Qatzav in Our 'Historic Homeland'," MIGnews (Tel Aviv), 24 January 2001, in "Israel, US Reportedly Paid Ukraine for Rejecting Work on Iran Nuclear Reactor," FBIS Document GMP20010124000095, 24 January 2001.

30 January 2001
Construction on the Bushehr nuclear power plant is expected to be finished by February 2003, says Khalil Musavi, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Construction is proceeding according to a plan signed in 1998, which called for finishing the project in 52 months.
—"Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Proceeding 'At Full Speed,' Due For Completion Feb 2003," IRNA (Tehran), 30 January 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010130000006, 30 January 2001.

21 February 2001
Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, Russian deputy atomic energy minister, says "major construction work" will begin this year on the first reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Seven hundred eight Russian specialists are working at the site, he says, and the first reactor should be finished by the end of 2003. [Note: A recent report said the project would be finished in February 2003. See 30 January 2001.]
—"Russia to Start Building Nuclear Reactor in Iran in 2001," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 21 February 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010221000269, 21 February 2001.

22 February 2001
Khalil Musavi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says in an interview that the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be economical, "but the important point about building atomic power plants lies in transfer of nuclear technology and transferring its new technology inside the country." He says the Bushehr "building program is in progress in accordance with our contract with the Russians, and we are not too far behind schedule."
—Gholamreza Afshari, "Fate of Bushehr's Atomic Power Plant is to be Clarified After 30 Years," Jam-e Jam (Tehran), 22 February 2001, in "Iran: Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant To Be Operational With Russia's Help By 2002," FBIS Document IAP20010306000044, 22 February 2001.

24 February 2001
Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, Russian Deputy Atomic Energy Minister, says the reactor and turbine equipment will be delivered to the Bushehr nuclear power plant shortly, and construction of the "first block" will begin this year.
—"First Block of Iran's Nuclear Power Station to Go On Stream This Year," Tehran Times (Tehran), 24 February 2001, in "Tehran Times: Work on First Block Of Iran's Nuclear Power Plant Begins This Year," FBIS Document IAP20010224000025, 24 February 2001.

26 February 2001
Dany Shoham, an Israeli expert on weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, says Iran is only a few years away from getting a nuclear bomb. The only thing lacking is fissile material, says Shoham, a senior researcher at Bar-Ilan University's Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. Iran is working hard to get fissile material, and with it Iran could have a bomb within a year.
—David Rudge, "Iran, Iraq in Non-Conventional Arms Race," Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

March 2001
Arms Control Today reports that, according to US intelligence assessments, despite being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is continuing its acquisition of nuclear-related technology. Russia's intelligence assessments, last time they were released, were in agreement with the US assessment. Russian officials, however, firmly refute that civilian aid supplied to Iran can help them develop military nuclear capability. In a recent testimony, Robert Einhorn, the assistant secretary of state for nonproliferation, says that despite the promises from Russian officials, assistance to Iran from government-associated sources continues and has in fact accelerated in recent months. He adds that this assistance goes beyond the Bushehr plant and "much of this assistance involves technologies with direct application to the production of weapons-grade fissile material and could significantly shorten the time Iran would need to acquire weapons-usable fissile material." Russia, as the only supplier of nuclear technology, is critical to Iran's efforts to gains weapons of mass destruction. Russia is reportedly involved not only for financial gains but also to "advance important security interests." Iran's acquisition motives, on the other hand, stem from a need for self reliance and regional hegemony, and therefore are entrenched in the values of the Islamic Republic, and thus not easily changed. The US policy of isolation has succeeded in retarding Iran's speed of acquisition as well as making it costlier.
—Michael Eisenstadt, "Russian Arms and Technology Transfers to Iran: Policy Challenges to the United States," Arms Control Today, March 2001, <http://www.armscontrol.org>, accessed 7 February 2001.

4 March 2001
In response to a report made by Bonyan that Russian specialists working on the Bushehr nuclear power plant would return to Russia, Hamid Reza Asefi, a spokesman for Iran's Foreign Minister, says Iran-Russia cooperation in the field of nuclear technology will continue, stating it is "developing successfully and has good prospects, and a preliminary date has been set for launching of the first unit of the nuclear power plant—December 2003."
—Bill Samii, "Nuclear Cooperation Not Linked to Cancelled Moscow Visit," Iran Report, 4 March 2002, Vol. 5, No. 8, <http://www.rferl.org>.

5 March 2001
Iran Report reports that the US Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) "Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Advanced Conventional Munitions (ACM)" says Iran "remains one of the most active countries" in the pursuit of WMD and ACM. Much of the effort Iran exerts for this purpose, according to the report, is directed at Russia, China, North Korea, and Western Europe, from which Iran has sought to acquire nuclear weapons and technology.
—Bill Samii, "Iranian WMD and ACM Developments Continue," Iran Report, 5 March 2001, Vol. 4, No. 9, <http://www.rferl.org>.

8 March 2001
Asadollah Saburi, the deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says 50% of the work on the first unit of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is complete. [Note: See 16 January and 27 June 2001 for differing recent estimates of completion percentages.] As for construction delays, he says "the Russian experts' level of management and planning did not equal their level of technical qualifications." In response to a question about Iran's plans for spent nuclear fuel from the Bushehr plant, he says "we intend to use new technology for recycling uranium and thus use the remains once again in the plant."
—"Iran: Equipment for Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant to be Installed Soon," Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1 (Tehran), 8 March 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010308000065, 8 March 2001; "Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant's Main Equipment to be Installed in 1380 (2001-2)," Aftab-e Yazd (Tehran), 10 March 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010327000084, 10 March 2001.

12 March 2001
The reactor equipment for the Bushehr nuclear power plant is 90% complete, says the public relations service of Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg, where it is being built. The equipment for the first unit of the plant will be sent to Iran in the third quarter of the year, the service says. The four casings for the steam generators and the "entire set of collectors" are complete. "The electrical equipment, the embedded fittings, and the mountings for the circulating pump" are being prepared for shipment. The reactor housing and "the set of devices to fit inside the housing are at various stages of completion." The "dry shielding and the reactor truss" will be sent to Iran in the second quarter of the year.
—Denis Pinuk, "Russian Equipment Almost Ready for Iranian Bushehr Reactor," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 12 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010312000388, 12 March 2001.

12 March 2001
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he talked with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami about delays in the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and says they "came to the conclusion that they are technical in nature, stemming from sluggishness of the partners, which we will correct."
—"Putin Says Russia Will Help Develop Nuclear Power Engineering," Interfax (Moscow), 12 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010312000145, 12 March 2001.

12-15 March 2001
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Mohammed Khatami sign a series of nuclear and military accords. Khatami says that Iran plans to order a second nuclear power plant after the completion of the first one in Bushehr.
—"Russia, Iran Sign Nuclear, Economic Cooperation Communique," Interfax (Moscow), 16 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010316000331, 16 March 2001; Henry Meyer, "Despite US Disapproval, Russia's Putin Praises Ties with Iran," Agence France Presse (Moscow), 5 April 2002; Ronen Bergman, "The Iranian Reactor in the Picture Is Supposed to Be operational With Two or Three Years," Yediot Aharonot (Hamusaf Lahag supplement) (Tel Aviv), 29 September 2001; in "Article Views Iranian efforts To Achieve Nuclear capability" FBIS document GMP20010927000222, 8 March 2002.

14 March 2001
Russian television reports that Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg will get $50 million for its work on equipment for the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—"Russia: Iranian President Khatami Visits St. Petersburg Defense Plant," RenTV (Moscow), 14 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010314000300, 14 March 2001.

15 March 2001
Mohammad Khatami, the Iranian President, visits Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg, where equipment is being built for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Plant director Yevgeniy Sergeyev says delays in construction of the Iranian plant are not because of his company, but because the plant had been designed by a German company and had to be redesigned to work with Russian equipment. Sergeyev says Khatami told him a contract for a second unit at Bushehr would be signed as soon as the "first block" equipment is delivered.
—"Iranian President Said Unhappy About Delays in Nuclear Plant Construction," RIA (Moscow), 15 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010315000077, 15 March 2001.

16 March 2001
Vladimir Orlov, director of the PIR Center, a Moscow-based nongovernmental organization devoted to nonproliferation, says "it is our judgment that Iran has a certain interest in military nuclear research....It appears that Iran's research is not advanced and no political decision has been made in Iran in this field. It's just that they try to keep abreast with the events in order not to fall behind."
—"Press Conference With PIR Center Officials Regarding Russian-Iranian Defense and Nuclear Cooperation," Official Kremlin International News Broadcast, 16 March 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

16 March 2001
Vassili Grornov, Russian Ambassador to Brazil, denies that Russia will sell nuclear weapons to Iran.
—"Russian Ambassador to Brazil Denies Sale of Atomic Weapons to Iran," Journal de Brasilia (Brasilia), 16 March 2001; in FBIS Document LAP20010316000039, 16 March 2001.

16 March 2001
In an interview, Vladimir Slivyak, co-chairman of Ekozashchita, says in signing the contract to build the Bushehr nuclear power plant, "Russia assumed obligations that cannot be realized. The reactor was 40% completed by the German division of Siemens, and we received the contract on the condition that we finish all construction by the end of 2001. According to associates of Atomstroyeksport, the authors of the contract were aware that the deadline was unrealistic. Specialists are also certain that the deadline that has now been announced, the end of 2002 is also unrealistic—six years are needed." Slivyak also says Russia typically finances construction of nuclear power plants abroad, and that Iran is the exception. "We do not extend credit to it, but there is concealed financing—we spend our own money to produce the equipment, ship it there, and then are supposed to receive reimbursement." [Note: On 7 January 1995, an Iranian official said the first unit was 90%. In August 1995, Russian Atomic Energy Minister Viktor Mikhaylov said the first unit was 70% compete.]
—Yekaterina Kats, "Ekozashchita Group Co-Head Slivyak Interviewed on Nuclear Technology Exports," Segodnya (Moscow), 16 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010316000106, 16 March 2001.

16 March 2001
In a bilateral meeting with Russia on nuclear energy, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official, Yuji Miyamoto, the ministry's director general for arms control and scientific affairs, says Japan is opposed to Russia's deal to build a nuclear power plant in Iran.
—"Japan Voices Opposition to Russia's Nuclear Aid to Iran," Kyodo (Tokyo), 16 March 2001; in FBIS Document JPP20010316000156, 16 March 2001.

22 March 2001
Four 82-ton water tanks are ready for delivery to the Bushehr nuclear power plant, says Nikolay Krivoshlykov, director-general of Atommash, the factory which built the tanks. They will be shipped to St. Petersburg and then by sea to Iran. The tanks are part of the reactor's emergency cooling system. The factory in Volgodonsk has an order for Bushehr worth $18 million.
—"Russian Factory Ready to Dispatch Equipment to Iran," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 22 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010324000098, 22 March 2001.

30 March 2001
Russian government sources say the replacement of Russian Atomic Energy Minister Yevgeniy Adamov with Aleksandr Rumyantsev will not mean an end to Russian nuclear cooperation with Iran.
—"Russia to Continue Nuclear Energy Cooperation With Iran," Interfax (Moscow), 30 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010330000115, 30 March 2001.

April 2001
Arms Control Today reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirms Russia's commitment to complete the Bushehr nuclear power station. Officials from the US government also comment on the nuclear cooperation between Russia and Iran as not being "well advised." The reactor at Bushehr has yet to be completed, with delays attributed to both Iranian and Russian sides, and is scheduled to be completed in 2003. Russia reaffirms that its activities in Iran are under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran is reported to have expressed further interest in a second reactor in Bushehr once work on the current one is complete.
—Wade Boese, "Putin Reaffirms Arms Sales, Nuclear Assistance to Iran," Arms Control Today, April 2001, <http://www.armscontrol.org>, accessed 7 February 2001.

15 April 2001
Following a ceremony, workers began laying the foundations of the steam power generator at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The work is first "executive move" by the Russian in building the plant following lengthy studies, surveys, and examinations, says Asadollah Saburi, the deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. He says 3,000 cubic meters of cement will be used in the foundations, which will be built by an Iranian engineering company under Russian supervision.
—"Iran: Ceremony Marks Start of Bushehr Nuclear Reactor Steam Generator Construction," IRNA (Tehran), 16 April 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010416000093, 16 April 2001.

16 April 2001
Russia and Iran are negotiating the construction of additional reactors at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, says Aleksandr Rumyantsev, Russian Atomic Energy Minister. "These intentions are true but no documents have been signed yet," he says. As for construction delays, he says, "if there was some lagging in the construction schedule we will catch up with it soon. All contract commitments will be fulfilled." According to a report, the main equipment for the reactor will be delivered in July and installation will begin in September. [Note: See 11 May 2001.]
—"Russia, Iran Discussing Additional Reactor in Bushehr," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 16 April 2001, FBIS Document CEP20010416000189, 16 April 2001.

11 May 2001
Russia is negotiating with Iran to build five or more nuclear power plants, Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, the Russian Deputy Atomic Energy Minister says. Possible sites are being examined, including Bushehr, Karun, and an area near the Caspian Sea. Reshetnikov says he does not know when a contract will be signed. [Note: See 16 April 2001.]
—"Russia Offers to Build More Nuclear Plants in Iran," ITAR-TASS, 11 May 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010512000081, 11 May 2001.

28 May 2001
Khusro Abedi, an official of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says the first unit of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is 52% complete and should be finished within three years. [Note: See 16 January and 27 June 2001 for differing estimates of completion.]
—"Work in Progress at Bushehr Power Plant," Iran Daily (Tehran), 28 May 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010528000051, 28 May 2001.

12 June 2001
Bulat Nigmatulin, Russian deputy atomic energy minister, says Russia will not halt nuclear cooperation with Iran. He says such cooperation has "breathed life into our atomic machine-building programme. Iran pays for atomic power stations not with credits, but as and when the equipment is supplied. We supply equipment and get money for it."
—"Deputy Minister: Russian Will Not Halt Nuclear Cooperation With Iran, India," Informatsionnoye Agentstvo Ekho Moskvy (Moscow), 12 June 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010612000243, 12 June 2001.

13 June 2001
Interfax reports that according to anonymous sources the company Atomenergoproyekt is working on a feasibility study for an additional two reactors at Bushehr, a study which should be finished by the end of the year. A source at the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry says additional reactors after the first unit are "not ruled out," but would not necessarily be built at Bushehr. [Note: See 16 January 2001.]
—"Russia to Complete Study For Second Unit at Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant By Year's End," Interfax (Moscow), 13 June 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010613000151, 13 June 2001.

14 June 2001
Eshaq Jahangiri, the Iranian Minister of Industries and Mines, says that the Jajorm Alumina project, the biggest mineral project to date in Iran, is to be put into operation in March of 2002. The implementation of this project will diminish Iranian reliance on imports and save it considerable amount of expenses.
—"Alumina project to be operational by year-end," IRNA, 14 June 2001, <http://www.irna.com>.

15 June 2001
Sources in the Ministry of Economic Development deny a report in the Washington Post that Russia has shipped to "Iran durable aluminum," which can be used in the creation of nuclear weapons. US officials have said the metal can be used to make rotor blades for uranium-enriching gas centrifuges. Russian experts from the Economic Development Ministry say that they have supplied neither aluminum, nor any of its products or its alloys. [Note: See 26 September 2001.]
—"Russia Rejects US Accusations of Shipping Durable Aluminum To Iran," Interfax (Moscow), 15 June 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010615000370, 15 June 2001; Toby Harnden, "Aluminum Shipment To Iran Draws US Protest," Daily Telegraph (London), 16 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 June 2001
Igor Sergeyev, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, says Russia is not assisting Iran in developing nuclear weapons. "To obtain weapons from the light water reactor in Iran is impossible," he says.
—Barry Schweid, "Putin Adviser Denies Russia Helping Iran's Nuclear Program," Associated Press, 18 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

27 June 2001
Vladimir Vinogradov, the Russian deputy atomic energy minister, says the first unit at the Bushehr nuclear power plant is now 80% complete. [Note: See 16 January 2001.] He says, "Russia has no complaints about how Iran is fulfilling its financial obligations."
—"Russian Official: First Unit of Iran's Bushehr Power Plant Nearly Complete," Interfax (Moscow), 27 June 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010627000232, 27 June 2001.

July 2001
A steam generator is delivered for the Bushehr nuclear power plant, according to Russian Atomic Energy Minister Yevgeniy Reshetnikov.
—"Russia Prepares Feasibility Study For New Reactors At Iranian Nuclear Plant," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 4 September 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010904000017, 4 September 2001.

3 July 2001
Mohammed Al-Baradi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, says, "We have not seen any violation of [Iran's] obligation under the Non-Proliferation Treaty."
—Bob Edwards, "Mohammed Al-Baradi on UN Sanctions Against Iraq, Nuclear Inspections in North Korea and Iran and Nuclear Energy For Electricity," National Public Radio, 3 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 July 2001
Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Israeli defense minister, says Iran could have nuclear weapons by 2005.
—"Israeli Defense Minister: Iran Could Have Nuclear Weapons By 2005," Associated Press, 9 July 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 July 2001
Aleksander Rumyantsev, the Russian Atomic Energy Minister, says "that when we supply Iran with fresh fuel within three years [from now]...it will be returned to Russia again." [Note: Rumyantsev seems to be saying that Russia will begin sending nuclear fuel to Iran within three years, and that it will be returned to Russia as spent fuel.]
—"Russian Atomic Energy Minister Upbeat About Import of Spent Nuclear Fuel," Russian Public Television ORT 1 (Moscow), 11 July 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010711000283, 11 July 2001.

25 July 2001
The Tehran Times, without attributing a source, denies claims by US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Jesse Helms that China has sold Iran dual-use technology that could be used to make nuclear arms.
—"Iran: US Official's Claims of Iran-China Nuclear Cooperation 'Baseless'," Tehran Times (Tehran), 25 July 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010725000012, 25 July 2001.

2 August 2001
Valeriy Kondryatev, the technical director for the Leningrad Metal Factory, says the main parts of the turbine for the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be complete by December 2001.
—"Russian Company Makes Turbine for Chinese Nuclear Power Plant," Interfax (Moscow), 2 August 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010802000155, 2 August 2001.

16 August 2001
US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld accuses Russia of helping Iran in developing nuclear weapons.
—"US Official Accuses Russia of Assisting Iran's Nuclear Program," Xinhua General News Service, 17 August 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

22 August 2001
Syed Anwar Mehmood, Pakistani Federal Secretary of Information, denies a report in the Wall Street Journal that Pakistan sold nuclear technology to Iran, among other countries.
—"Pakistan Strongly Rejects Allegation of Sale of Nuclear Technology," Jang (Rawalpindi), 22 August 2001; in FBIS Document SAP20010823000118, 22 August 2001.

24 August 2001
Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Israeli defense minister, says in the next decade, Iran's nuclear program will reach a "point of no return," from which time "it would be impossible to stop it from attaining a bomb." [Note: See 2 and 13 September 2001 for further Israeli estimations on Iran's nuclear program.]
—Yoav Limor, "And the World Remains Silent," Maariv (Tel Aviv), 24 August 2001, in "Israeli Officials Voicing Growing Concern Over Iranian, Iraqi Nuclear Efforts," FBIS Document GMP20010824000132, 24 August 2001.

2 September 2001
Haaretz of Tel Aviv reports that Israeli intelligence believes Iran will be able to create a nuclear bomb by 2005, but this can be stopped if Russia stops providing assistance. [Note: See 24 August and 13 September 2001.]
—Aluf Ben, "Sharon To Ask Putin to Stop 'Spillover' To Iran," Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 2 September 2001, in "Sharon To Raise With Putin Danger of Nuclear 'Spillover' From Russia To Iran," FBIS Document GMP20010902000100, 2 September 2001.

4 September 2001
Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, the Russian atomic energy minister, says he is sending a delegation to Iran with a completed feasibility study for construction of additional reactors at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. "Iran can order the construction of at least one more reactor," he says. Contract negotiations for the additional reactors could start in December, he says. He also says a steam generator was delivered to Iran in July for the first unit and the reactor will be delivered in November.
—"Russia Prepares Feasibility Study For New Reactors At Iranian Nuclear Plant," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 4 September 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010904000017, 4 September 2001; "Iran: Russia to Build More Nuclear Reactors In Iran Despite Sharon's Requests," Tehran Times (Tehran), 5 September 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010905000010, 5 September 2001.

4 September 2001
Ali Shamkhani, the Iranian defense minister, says that the delay of his visit to Russia is a result of the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Moscow. He adds that the Iranian defense ministry postponed the visit and that it will take place at the appropriate moment. He also says that the pressures from other countries will not influence the relations between Russia and Iran.
—"Shamkhani: Iran, Russia not to be Influenced by External Pressure," IRNA (Tehran), 4 September 2002, <http://www.irna.com>.

5 September 2001
A senior Bush administration official says that Russian companies continue to provide Iran with weapons of mass destruction technology. The official claims that this technology could assist Iran in developing chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. Although Russia officially agrees with the United States that there should be limits on providing technology to Iran, Russian authorities do not appear to have "clamped down" on this.
—Barry Schweid, "Russians still provide Iran technology for weapons of mass destruction, US official says," The Associated Press, 5 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

7 September 2001
The CIA issues a report that says, "During the second half of 2000, entities in Russia, North Korea, and China continued to supply crucial ballistic missile-related equipment, technology, and expertise to Iran. Teheran is attempting to develop a domestic capability to produce various types of weapons...and their delivery systems." The report also states, "The expertise and technology gained, along with the commercial channels and contacts established—particularly through the Bushehr nuclear power plant project—could be used to advance Iran's nuclear weapons research and development program."
—"CIA: China Helps Iran's Missile Programs," Middle East Newsline, 10 September 2001.

10 September 2001
Hamid Reza Asefi, Foreign Ministry spokesman for Iran, says that despite the use of chemical weapons and weapons of mass destruction against Iran, Iran "has never embarked on production of such weapons." The report comes after allegations by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that Iran is seeking foreign sources of technology to develop weapons of mass destruction. [Note: See 7 September 2001.] Asefi compares Iran's compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguards with Israel's lack of transparency. "Iran's defensive and nuclear cooperation with some foreign countries are within the framework of international conventions, in line with the industrial and economic development of the country and aimed at maintaining world peace and security," he says.
—"Iran Denies Seeking Nuclear Weapons," Iran Expert, 10 September 2001, <http://www.iranexpert.com>; "Iran Rejects US. Report on Arms Programmes," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 10 September 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 September 2001
In response to accusations by the Mossad, Israel's secret intelligence agency, that Iran will be capable of producing an atom bomb by 2005, Binyamin Ben Eliezer, Israel's defense minister, calls for a meeting between security and intelligence services to discern the validity of the Mossad allegation. According to Jane's Foreign Report, previous Mossad conclusions proved false, and Eliezer and the heads of the security services believe Iran is still far from producing a weapon. [Note: See 24 August and 2 September 2001.]
—"Iran's 'Nuclear Weapon'," Iran Expert, 13 September 2001, <http://www.iranexpert.com>.

13 September 2001
Iran Expert reports that in light of Iran's recent refusal to ratify two new provisions of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United States and Israel have cast Iran as the most significant threat to peace in the Middle East. Iran believes itself justified not to ratify the provisions on the grounds that it has been denied nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, which is provided under Article IV of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Mohammad Khatami, Iran's president, continues to refute claims that Iran is seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction. Much of Western consternation comes in light of increasing evidence that Iran is using clandestine methods to acquire nuclear weapons. Jane's Defense Weekly reports Iran has attempted to acquire enriched uranium, fuel fabrication and processing capabilities, research reactors, gas centrifuge and enrichment technology, and uranium conversion and laser enrichment plants.
—"Missile Development and Iranian Security," Iran Expert, 13 September 2001, <http://www.iranexpert.com>.

19 September 2001
Yevgeny Adamov, the Russian Minister of Atomic Energy, says that the Russians have started the construction of another nuclear reactor in Iran. He said that Russia doubts that Iran will use this facility for the production of nuclear weapons. Adamov also says that 90% of the work on a nuclear reactor has been finished in the city of Bushehr and that the reactor will be completed in two years.
—"The First Support that Khatami Has Received for a Second Term - Russia Establishes a Second Nuclear Reactor in Iran," Al-Zaman (Cairo), 18 January 2001, <http://www.azzaman.com>.

26 September 2001
Yediot Aharonot reports that Israel and the United States received information that a Russian company is selling centrifuge parts for uranium enrichment to Iran. Israel has given to Russian President Vladimir Putin documents proving the involvement of some Russian entities in selling such equipment to Iran. President Vladimir Putin responded, "Your scientists must be mixed up. This is not equipment for centrifuges but aluminum parts for the construction of airplanes." A source in the Israeli prime minister's office said, "The documents in this file are so conclusive that it is clear that Putin is lying or that he was deceived by his men." Israel and the United States believe that the Bushehr complex, given its immensity, can hide plutonium separation plant even if the reactor itself is under IAEA supervision. Russians are also believed to be training Iranian engineers and physicists in a research center in Moscow and in a nuclear power plant in Novovoronezh.
—Ronen Bergman, "Article Views Iranian Efforts to Achieve Nuclear Capability," Yediot Aharonot (Tel Aviv), 26 September 2001; in FBIS Document GMP20010927000222, 26 September 2001; Ronen Bergman, "The Iranian Reactor in the Picture Is Supposed to Be operational With Two or Three Years" Yediot Aharonot (Hamusaf Lahag supplement) (Tel Aviv) 29 September 2001; in FBIS document "Article Views Iranian efforts To Achieve Nuclear capability" GMP20010927000222, 8 March 2002.

2 October 2001
A source in the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy says the major equipment for the first reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant will be there early in 2002. The first unit is 80% complete, according to the source, and more than 1,000 Russians are working at the site. After the reactor is finished—projected for 2003—it will take 18 months to load the fuel and test it, the source says.
—"Russia To Deliver Nuclear Reactor to Iran in November," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 2 October 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20011002000146, 2 October 2001.

2 October 2001
Russia's atomic energy minister announces that in November 2001 it plans to deliver the first of two nuclear reactors for a 1000MW power station. Russian technicians at Bushehr will be mostly responsible for building the station. This announcement is the result of over a year of discussions.
—Michael Wines, "Russia and Iran Sign Arms Deal; Nuclear Reactors on the Way," New York Times, 3 October 2001, p. 12; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

15 October 2001
ITAR-TASS reports that Aleksandr Rumyantsev, the Russian Minister of Atomic Energy, believes the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant may be delayed if the war in Afghanistan expands. Rumyantsev further states that up to 1,000 workers may have to be recalled if the war escalates, but if construction is unimpeded by the conflict the plant will be complete by 2003 plus an additional 18 months to load fuel and test the reactor.
—Bill Samii, "Bushehr Completion May be Delayed if War Spreads," Iran Report, 15 October 2001, Vol. 4, No. 39, <http://www.rferl.org>.

31 October 2001
US intelligence sources say that China is selling nuclear technology to Iran in violation of a pledge given one year ago to halt missile sales to the Middle East. Jon Kyl, the ranking Republican on the Senate Sub-Committee on Technology, says that China is providing Iran with the technology to use nuclear warheads on missiles
—"Amid Afghan War China Sells Missiles to The Middle East," Middle East Newsline Vol. 3, No. 415, 31 October 2001, <http://www.menl.com>.

2 November 2001
Hadi Najad-Hosseinian, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, on a visit to Washington, DC, says Iran would not abandon its nuclear weapons program. The Washington Times reports US intelligence services believe Iran has undoubtedly spent between $12-15 billion to acquire nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
—"A Reformer Without Results; Iran's Khatami Needs to Hand Over Terrorists," Iran Expert, 2 November 2001, <http://www.iranexpert.com>.

6 November 2001
Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "We have not ever sold anything to Iran out of the range of technology or information that would help Iran develop missiles or weapons of mass destruction." As for Russian nuclear cooperation with Iran, he says "it has nothing to do with developing nuclear weapons. We are categorically opposed to transferring any technologies to Iran that would help it develop nuclear weapons."
—Barry Schweid, "Russian Leader Disputes Reports Russia Helping Iran Develop Weapons Of Mass Destructions," Associated Press, 6 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

8 November 2001
While in Washington, DC, Efraim Sneh, Israeli transportation minister, says he is certain "the central support for the Iranian nuclear project is provided by Russia."
—"Israeli Says Russia Helps Iran On Nuclear Weapons," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 November 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 November 2001
Basij forces in Iran begin training for an imaginary invasion against Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. Training also includes familiarization with radioactive residue leakage and similar scenarios.
—"Basij Conducts Military Exercises Protecting Bushehr Nuclear Facility," Iran Expert, 10 November 2001, <http://www.iranexpert.com>.

13 November 2001
Interfax reports that Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg will ship equipment to the Bushehr nuclear power plant on 16 November, according to a source in the company. The company has built the "casing and upper unit of the reactor's water unit, a compensator, all of the units within the casing, a steam generator, and other equipment," according to the source.
—"Russia: Equipment To Be Delivered To Iranian Nuclear Plant 16 November," Interfax (Moscow), 13 November 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20011113000073, 13 November 2001.

16 November 2001
Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg ships the 350-ton assembly kit for a nuclear reactor to the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Assembly will begin soon after it arrives in Iran, says Viktor Kozlov, general director of the Atomstroyeksport company. Kozlov says delays in construction at Bushehr are "not because of technical problems. The original construction schedule was tighter than actually needed. We wanted to speed up the works this way." Russia and Iran will sign a revised construction schedule that calls for the plant to be finished in December 2003, ITAR-TASS reports.
—"Russia To Start Assembling Iran Reactor By Year's End," ITAR-TASS, 16 November 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20011119000058, 16 November 2001.

18 November 2001
The Middle East Newsline reports that Iran is preparing to receive a light water nuclear reactor from Russia. Work on the reactor had been completed at Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg. The VVER-type reactor, which was built in three years, weighs 317 tons and will be assembled upon its arrival to Bushehr in about a month. The nuclear reactor is scheduled to be operational in 2003. This reactor is part of an $800 million contract Russia and Iran signed in 1995.
— "Russian Nuke Reactor Leaves for Iran," Middle East Newsline, Vol. 3, No. 439, 18 November 2001, <http://www.menl.com>.

19 November 2001
US Secretary of State Colin Powell warns Russia against its continuous WMD assistance to Iran. He says that the United States is highly concerned by the Russian nuclear assistant to Iran. Mr. Powell warning comes after Russia shipped a cylindrical reactor to Iran.
—"US Warms Russia Against Nuke Help to Iran," Middle East Newsline Vol. 3 No 441, 19 November 2001, <http://www.menl.com>.

30 November 2001
Interfax reports Russia has sent to Iran a VVER-1000 [1000MW light water] nuclear reactor. The unit will be installed in the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran. Bulat Nigmatulin, Russia's Deputy Atomic Energy Minister, says the plant should be "launched" by September 2003. The Atomic Energy Ministry does not exclude the possibility that more nuclear power plants will be constructed, which may or may not be in Bushehr. The Russian Atomic Energy Ministry and its Iranian counterpart have scheduled fueling of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and will provide training for Iranian scientists at the Novovoronezhskaya nuclear power plant in Russia.
—"Russia Ships Reactor to Bushehr, Will Train Iranian Nuclear Physicists," Iran Expert, 30 November 2001, <http://www.iranexpert.com>.

11 December 2001
US officials say they are prepared to impose sanction on Russia for allegedly aiding Iran develop nuclear weapons.
—"Putin Supports US War On Terrorism, Resists Pressure To Sever Ties With Iran," Washington Times, 11 December 2001; in Iran Expert, <http://www.iranexpert.com>, 14 March 2002.

11 December 2001
A high-ranking Pakistani official denies nuclear cooperation with Iran.
—"Pakistan, Iran Ready for New Strategic Cooperation," Iran Press Service, 11 December 2001; in Iran Expert, <http://www.iranexpert.com>, 14 March, 2002.

13 December 2001
German news outlet DDP reports that a German company may have shipped material to Iran that could be used to make nuclear weapons. Bremen-based company J.C. Niemann reportedly shipped round aluminum rods without an export license. The Bremen Public Prosecutor's Office has been investigating the matter for four years and is considering charges. [Note: The report does not state when the material was allegedly shipped to Iran.]
—"German Company Reportedly Supplied Iran With Dual-Use Goods," DDP (Berlin), 13 December 2001; in FBIS Document EUP20011213000087, 13 December 2001; "Germany: No Charge Planned Yet Against Bremen Company for Exports to Iran," DDP (Berlin), 13 December 2001; in FBIS Document EUP20011213000145, 13 December 2001.

14 December 2001
Speaking at weekly prayers in Tehran, former President Hashemi-Rafsanjani says, "The use of an atomic bomb would totally destroy Israel, while (the same) against the Islamic world would only cause damage. Such a scenario is not inconceivable." He says, "if the Islamic world armed itself with the same arms, then that equilibrium would be broken." He says, "We do not want the fall victim to insecurity, and we do not want the confrontation to turn into World War Three. That is the worst that could happen." He says, "if a day comes when the world of Islam is duly equipped with the arms Israel has in its possession, the strategy of colonialism would face a stalemate because application of an atomic bomb would not leave anything in Israel but the same thing would just produce damages in the Muslim world."
—"Rafsanjani Says Mideast Nuclear Conflict Possible," Agence France Presse, 14 December 2001; in Iran Expert, <http://www.iranexpert.com>, 14 March, 2002; "Iran's Rafsanjani Suggests Nuclear Attack on Israel," World Tribune (London), 17 December 2001; Michael Rubin, "The Iranian Ticking Bomb," The Jerusalem Post, 17 February 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

Mid-December 2001
Asadollah Saburi, deputy director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, confirms that China has refused to deliver two 300MW reactors to Iran. The Bushehr nuclear power plant is scheduled to go into operation in 2005. The initial output of the plant will be only 20% of what was originally planned, in part because of the Chinese decision to withhold the reactors.
—"Will Tehran Master Nuclear Bomb Technology By 2005?," Intelligence Newsletter, 3 January 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

17 December 2001
Efraim Halevy, the head of the Israeli intelligence organization Mossad, says that Iran is developing nuclear and other non-conventional weapons.
—Yoav Appel, "Mossad Chief: Iran Developing Nukes," Washington Post, 17 December 2001, <http://www.washingtonpost.com>

17 December 2001
Middle East Newsline reports that although US administration officials agree that Iran is approaching nuclear capability, they believe that the nature of the Iranian regime offers possibility of democratic change.
—"US will not Target Iran in War Against Terror," Middle East Newsline, Vol. 3, No. 481, 17 December 2001, <http://www.menl.com>.

18 December 2001
Gholam Reza Shafei, Iranian ambassador to Russia, and a delegation of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran visits the Ordzhonikidze plant near Moscow. The plant is building the fourth steam generator for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Thee first three generators have been shipped to Iran. Shafei says it is important for the project to be finished according to schedule. He says Iran hopes to be compensated for delays in construction of the plant.
—"Iran's Ambassador To Russia Visits Nuclear Power Plant," IRNA, 18 December 2001; in Iran Expert, <http://www.iranexpert.com>, 14 March 2002.

19 December 2001
Russia's State Duma ratifies a cooperation treaty with Iran. Alexander Losyukov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, says, "The key areas of our cooperation will be in the military-technological sphere and the peaceful use of the nuclear atom." He says construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is a "symbol of the new stage of cooperation."
—"Russian Parliament Ratifies Cooperation Treaty With Iran," Agence France Presse, 19 December 2001; in Iran Expert, <http://www.iranexpert.com>, 14 March, 2002.

22 December 2001
The director of the open joint-stock company Tsenrtenerhamantazh of Minsk, Belarus, says the company has won a contract to the build the turbine shop for the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—"Belarusian Company To Participate In Iranian Nuclear Power Project," Radio Minsk, 22 December 2001; in Iran Expert, <http://www.iranexpert.com>, 14 March 2002.

26 December 2001
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres writes letters to the foreign ministers of the countries on the United Nations Security Council protesting recent remarks by former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani that seemed to imply Iran would use nuclear weapons against Israel. Peres calls Rafsanjani's remarks "bone-chilling," and says they show Iran's nuclear program is not peaceful. [Note: See 14 December 2001 for Rafsanjani's remarks.]
—"Peres Protests Iranian Threat To Destroy Israel," Jerusalem Post, 26 December 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29 December 2001
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres says that a 14 December 2001 speech by former Iranian President Rafsanjani "leaves no room for any doubt as to Iran's hatred of Israel and its declared goal to destroy it." In a letter or United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Peres says the speech "clearly contradicts the Iranian claim that its plans to acquire nuclear technologies are designed only for peaceful purposes."
—"Israel Feats Iran Will Use Nuclear Arm," Reuters, 29 December 2001; in Iran Expert, <http://www.iranexpert.com>, 14 March, 2002.