Iran is starting construction of a new nuclear power plant in the southwestern part of the country after years of planning the project, DPA reported, citing information from an Iranian news agency.

The head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, visited the site where the plant will be built, which is located near the city of Darhovein, in Khuzestan province, near the border with Iraq, BTA reported, citing the ISNA agency.

The pressurized water reactor will have a capacity of 300 megawatts, the agency adds.

The idea of ​​a nuclear plant in Darhovein dates back to before the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and the plan to build it near the Karun River was announced 14 years ago.

Initially, Iran was looking for foreign partners to implement the project.

According to ISNA, it will now be implemented in eight years by Iranian companies and will cost the equivalent of $2 billion.

A hacker attack hit Iran's nuclear power plant

Disputes over Iran's nuclear program have raged for years, with the Islamic Republic always stressing that it serves only peaceful purposes.

However, the US, Israel and other countries accuse Tehran of trying to acquire nuclear weapons.

During his tenure, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the international agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program, and attempts to restore it are currently on hold.

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