Dec 02 - Datamonitor

Iran is proposing to develop nuclear power plants in co-operation with neighboring Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region, in the midst of increasing international pressure to halt its nuclear program.

Several Arab countries have expressed interest over the past few years to develop their own nuclear power program, partly as a response to Iran's controversial nuclear program. Iran is proposing to build light-water reactors along with its Arab neighbors.

Reza Aghazadeh, head of the Iran Atomic Energy Organization, as quoted by Xinhua, said: "Iran is ready to provide very soon a comprehensive plan for the proposal if it were approved in generalities by the Persian Gulf littoral states."

Iran is building its first nuclear reactor in the city of Bushehr with Russian support and is also building a 40MW developmental research reactor in Arak, revealed media reports.

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