Russia has lost contact with Iran’s nuclear leadership, phone calls no longer answered: Report

Moscow has lost communication with the leadership of the Iranian nuclear facility as officials neither answered phone calls nor responded to emails, leaving more than 600 Russian citizens stranded, Director General Alexey Likhachev of Rosatom nuclear power company said on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, we have lost contact with the leadership of Iran’s entire nuclear industry: they are not answering their phones or responding to emails,” Russian media TASS cited Mr Likhachev as saying.
The director, who said Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities in Fordow and Natanz were struck with missiles, explained there was no way to assess the impact of the damage since officials were not responding to calls and enquiries.
“We still have no idea about the extent of the damage,” said the Rosatom CEO.
As the war between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces entered its fourth day on Tuesday, Russia fears the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant may be targeted in an attack that could trigger a regional-scale destruction.
Mr Likhachev explained that the Bushehr Nuclear plant contains “a huge mass of fissile material” that could wipe out an entire region. He urged all parties of the war to exercise restraint.
“We must understand that the reactor is operating at capacity. It contains 72 tons of fuel and another 210 tons of spent fuel. This is a huge mass of fissile material. In the event of a strike, it would certainly be a regional-scale disaster,” Mr Likhachev said.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mr Likhachev said about 600 Russian citizens were awaiting evacuation at the facility.
“As of today, there are 639 people there; they are Russian citizens. There are no children there. We have managed to evacuate them. Not too many women remain there, but many women don’t want to leave. They want to stay with their husbands during these difficult times,” Mr Likhachev said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Health
Niger agency moves to enforce standards in private health institutions
NiSPHFA has intensified regulatory oversight of private health institutions to ensure compliance with established standards and improve healthcare service delivery.

States
FRSC impounds 39 vehicles for overloading, route violations
The Federal Road Safety Corps says it has arrested 39 vehicles for various traffic offences in the ongoing special enforcement operation across Kebbi.

World
U.S. issues security alert to citizens amid ongoing Mideast conflict
The U.S. Department of State on Tuesday issued the second security alert in three days amid heightened Mideast tensions, advising U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution.

States
Troops kill alleged Boko Haram driver in Yobe
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram driver and foiled an alleged terrorist extortion mission along the Paya Kafiya–Garin Gada area of Yobe.

Economy
Fire razes many shops in Lagos market
At least 17 shops were destroyed following a blaze that swept through Sabo Market in the Ikorodu area of Lagos early Tuesday.

Economy
Tinubu govt targets higher value from non-oil exports
The federal government says it will sustain growth in non-oil exports by promoting value addition, expanding markets and improving export competitiveness.





