Iran 'in bid for Russian reactors'

Russia's nuclear chief says Iran would like more Russian-built nuclear reactors following the launch of its first that began producing electricity in September.

Rosatom chief Sergei Kiriyenko told a Cabinet session chaired by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that Iran has signalled interest in more Russian-built reactors, in addition to the first in the southern port of Bushehr.

Mr Kiriyenko said his agency was working on a relevant agreement.

Russian and Iranian officials have discussed building more reactors in the past, but the latest Kiriyenko statement comes amid Western calls for sanctions on Tehran over a UN nuclear watchdog report detailing suspected atomic weapons-related advances.

Russia has firmly rejected any new sanctions on Iran.