Iran Conflict — 2026-03-25

Rosatom Evacuates 163 More Staff from Bushehr Nuclear Plant, Warns of Worst-Case Scenario

Russia's Rosatom evacuated 163 additional personnel from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant after a projectile landed inside the facility's compound late Tuesday, bringing evacuated staff to over 500 with approximately 300 remaining. Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev warned the situation is heading toward the "worst-case scenario" and launched the third phase of its emergency evacuation plan. Iran's atomic energy organization accused the US and Israel of striking the facility. Russia expressed being "deeply outraged" by the reported strike. Rosatom has suspended construction of additional reactor units at the site since the war began.

Analysis
Rosatom's "worst-case scenario" language is unprecedented for the agency and signals Moscow expects further strikes near the facility. Russia's "deep outrage" rhetoric, however, has not translated into any concrete military or diplomatic action to protect the site. The withdrawal effectively removes the Russian personnel shield that may have been deterring direct strikes on the reactor itself.

3 sources

Russia evacuates 163 more staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, 300 remain - Al Arabiya
Rosatom Pulls More Staff From Iranian Nuclear Plant After Reported Strike - Moscow Times
Russia's Rosatom decides to reduce its staff in Bushehr to a minimum and warns of worst-case scenario - Voice of Emirates