As Bushehr nears completion, Iran ups defenses

9 Aug, 2010 21:29 / Updated 14 years ago

The Russian-built Bushehr power plant in Iran is almost ready to go live. Officials have announced it will receive its first shipment of nuclear material within weeks.

Despite supporting US-led sanctions against Tehran last month, Moscow is fulfilling its obligations regarding the building of the facility, which will give Iranians access to peaceful nuclear power.

But some countries fear Tehran may use byproducts from the plant to make atomic weapons.

And with the reactor nearly up and running, there's speculation the US or Israel may launch a military strike against the Islamic nation before any nuclear material is delivered.

Last week Iranian armed forces were called to the plant to evaluate the security of the airspace around it.