Russia invites US to help build Iran N-plant

"We have made this proposal several times to our American colleagues in talks at expert level. For the moment, they are saying they have to consider," Rumantsyev said, as quoted by the ITAR-TASS news agency.

"There is scope for everyone," Rumantsyev noted, pointing out that Iran envisaged a power plant with six reactors whereas Moscow has contracted to supply just the first bloc.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

"Development countries not only can but should help other countries that respect the non-proliferation regime and meet the requirements" of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the minister said.

Washington has been pressing Russia to break off all nuclear cooperation with Iran, and particularly its participation in the Bushehr power plant.

Reuters adds: Russia ignored US objections on Thursday and vowed to keep building a nuclear power plant in Iran, saying only a special UN meeting could assess whether Tehran was violating promises not to use it to produce weapons.