Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

1999
Iran allocates $150 million for this year's work on building the Bushehr nuclear power plant, up from $100 million in 1998. [Note: See 11 October 1998 entry for a slightly different amount.]
—"Iranians To Learn In Russia How To Operate Nuclear Power Plant," Middle East News Items, 4 February 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 January 1999
Yevgeniy Adamov, Russian Minister of Atomic Energy, says construction will begin this year on the first reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. He says the first unit is between 30 and 40% complete. He says Minatom is negotiating a deal to build a second unit at Bushehr. He says a joint Russian-Iranian team of technicians is being formed to run the plant and should be formed by 2000 or 2001. One thousand Russians are now working at Bushehr, and more will work there this year, he says.
—"Russia To Start Bushehr Reactor Construction, Negotiate Second Deal—Minister," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 10 January 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 January 1999
US National Security Advisor Samuel Berger announces US sanctions against three Russian entities for aiding Iran's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. The entities are the D. Mendeleyev University of Chemical Technology, the Scientific Research and Design Institute of Power Technology, and the Moscow Aviation Institute. "The administration has authority to act against entities that violate nonproliferation standards," Berger says, "and we will use that authority to protect our security. In the end, though, the most effective shield against proliferation from Russia is not US penalties, but a Russian export control system that is designed to work and does." Twelve Russian corporations and institutes are barred from buying US goods, exporting to the United States, or selling to the US government because they have aided Iran's weapons programs. Yevgeniy Primakov, the Russian Prime Minister calls the action "counterproductive to US-Russian relations." A statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign affairs defends the companies by saying that their actions were consistent with Russian legislations and Russian obligations in the international agreements of non-proliferation.
—Howard Diamond, "US Sanctions Russian Entities for Iranian Dealings," Arms Control Today, January/February 1999, <http://www.armscontrol.org>, accessed 7 February 2002; "US Penalizes Russian Institutions For Nuke Aid To Iran," The Gazette (Montreal), 13 January 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 January 1999
Pavel Sarkisov, rector of the D.I. Mendeleyev Russian Chemical-Technical University, says that his university had nothing to do with the sale of missile technology to Iran. Sarkisov says that the university deals with the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy, that the Department of Physical Chemistry trains specialists and conducts studies of zirconium for the nuclear industry, but this research is not secret and does not involve the export of nuclear technology. Sarkisov adds that the university has no contracts with Iran in the areas of zirconium research or the burial of spent nuclear fuel, and has not trained personnel for Iran in the past 15 years, although an Iranian post-graduate at the university is conducting non-military-related research on the synthesis of polystyrene. [Note: See 12 January 1999.]
—"RKhTU im. Mendeleyeva oprovergayet fakt prodazhi raketnykh tekhnologiy Iranu," Interfax, No. 2, 13 January 1999.

13 January 1999
The Iranian embassy in Moscow denies any knowledge of two institutes alleged to have cooperated with Iran's missile and nuclear weapons programs [presumably the Design Institute of Power Technology and the Moscow Aviation Institute] and says that Iranian students are studying only humanities at Moscow University. [Note: See 12 January 1999.] Moscow University was not mentioned by US National Security Adviser Samuel Berger in his list of entities under sanction. It is unclear if the embassy is referring to another allegation of cooperation that included the University of Moscow or if one of the three entities listed by Berger are affiliated with the university.]
—"Iran Denies Nuclear Cooperation With Russian Institutes," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 13 January 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

14 January 1999
Russian officials express displeasure at the US sanctions aimed against three Russian institutes for allegedly aiding Iran's missile and nuclear weapons programs. "Strong-arm measures or sanctions against our organizations are counterproductive for Russian-American relations," says Russian Prime Minister Yevgeniy Primakov. Pavel D. Sarkisov, rector of Mendeleyev University, one of the three penalized institutes, says the school's graduates are not trained in handling weapons-grade nuclear material or making nuclear weapons. "My theory of how our institute has ended up on the blacklist is that probably some of our former students were hired on an individual basis by someone commissioned by Iran to create its nuclear defense complex," Sarkisov says. "We could have helped Iran if we wanted to, but we never did." [Note: See 12 and 13 January 1999.]
—"Russia Voices Ire Over US Sanctions on 3 Institutes; Diplomacy: Officials In Moscow Deny Helping Iran Develop Nuclear Arms, Say Punitive Action is Hypocritical," Los Angeles Times, 14 January 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

14 January 1999
A spokesman for the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry says that Russia will increase its staff working on the Bushehr nuclear power project in Iran over the net few months from 300 workers to 1,000 workers. Russia is currently assisting Iran in building a 1,000MW light water reactor at Bushehr, which both countries insist is strictly for peaceful nuclear energy. The Russian spokesman says that the increase in staff is aimed at helping to meet the construction deadline, which for the first unit is set at May 2003. Iranian TV covered the story on 15 January 1999. The worker increase may be a response to the announcement that the United States will impose sanctions against three Russian institutes due to the export of sensitive technology to Iran.
—"Russia To Triple Number Of Nuclear Experts In Iran," Adam Tanner, Reuters, 14 January 1999, <http://www.yahoo.co.uk>; "Russia To Triple Staff At Iran Nuclear Plant," Inquisit, BBC, 15 January 1999.

20 January 1999
Russian Atomic Energy Minister Yevgeniy Adamov says that the United States has not provided any information to justify the sanctions imposed upon three Russian institutions accused of providing assistance to Iran's missile and nuclear programs. Adamov says Russia does not want neighboring states to acquire nuclear weapons. According to Adamov, "The Russian special service strictly control[s] enterprises and institutes with nuclear technologies." [Note: See 12, 13, 14 January 1999.]
—"Russia: US Gave No Evidence of Nuclear Accord Violations," Interfax (Moscow), 20 January 1999; in FBIS Document FBIS-SOV-99-020, 20 January 1999.

21 January 1999
Foreign Report reports that the Israeli Mossad estimates that as many as 10,000 Russians are helping Iran's unconventional weapons programs. The journal also reports that Israeli officials believe Russian scientists may have smuggled a supercomputer into Iran that could aid a nuclear weapon program.
—Arieh O'Sullivan, Douglas Davis, "'Foreign Report:' 10,000 Russian Experts In Iran," Jerusalem Post, 21 January 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 January 1999
In an interview with the Russian television company NTV, secretary of the Russian Security Council and chief of staff of the President Nikolay Bordyuzha says, "We, the same as the United States, are not interested in Iran getting nuclear and missile technologies." He noted, "There is a commission on export control, which is headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Maslyukov. Some organizing measures were taken for preventing the leakage of missile and nuclear technologies not just to Iran, but, in general, away from Russia."
—ITAR-TASS, 25 January 1998; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>

29 January 1999
Russia Today reports that advertisements placed in the Iranian press by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran say that Iran seeks to recruit engineers to receive training in Russia for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The advertisements say that a total of 225 engineers were needed, with expertise in physics, nuclear physics, mechanical engineering, or computer science. Applicants must be Iranian nationals, and successful candidates will be sent to Russia after a short period of training in Iran. The advertisements appeared despite the recent imposition of sanctions on Russian research institutes, and threats to curtail space cooperation, by the United States.
—"Iran Recruits Engineers for Nuclear Training in Russia," Russia Today, 29 January 1999, <http://www.russiatoday.com>.

29 January 1999
The Russian Atomstroyeksport company says that Iran and Russia are exploring further nuclear cooperation. Iran proposes that Russia starts the construction of a third unit in Bushehr.
—Oleg Lebedev, "Russia proposes Further Nuclear Power Cooperation With Iran," RIA (Moscow), 9 February 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990209001331, 9 February 1999

February 1999
Iran agrees to buy turbines from a factory in St. Petersburg, Russia. The deal would add significantly to the $850 million contract for Russia to build the nuclear reactor at Bushehr.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, "Iran and Nuclear Weapons: A Working Draft," Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000.

3 February 1999
Radio reports from the United Kingdom report that the first group of Iranian nuclear scientists will go to Russia in March 1999, as part of a contract related to the Bushehr nuclear power project. Thirty-eight Iranian nuclear engineer specialists will soon leave for Russia, where they will receive training in nuclear energy. The students are expected to stay in Russia for 13 months or more.
—"Russia Confirmed Its Plans for Nuclear Cooperation with Iran." Etelaat (Farsi Version), 4 February 1999.

4 February 1999
Intel and Sun Microsystems say they have no current business with three Russian institutes against whom the United States recently applied sanctions for allegedly aiding Iran's missile and nuclear weapons programs. But the US companies say the Russian institutes may have already acquired their technology.
—"Intel and Sun Warned Not To Deal With Institutes Working With Iran," Middle East News, 4 February 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 February 1999
Russian machine-building company Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg begins production of equipment for the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The company received its first advanced payment in late December 1998, an undisclosed amount, and will build the reactor vessel, the steam generator casing, the "lid for the No. 1 unit," and "inner appliances." Production is expected to take three years.
—"Russian Company Starts Building Nuclear Power Equipment For Iran," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 12 February 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 February 1999
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens says, "We know that [the Iranian nuclear program] isn't going smoothly. But with the help of foreigners, the Russians and others, I think in time they can achieve operational capacity."
—"Arens: Iran Nuclear Capability Overblown," Jerusalem Post, 12 February 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

16 February 1999
Yediot Aharonot reports that intelligence sources say that Iran has crossed the point of no return in the acquisition of nuclear weapons. Western efforts to prevent Iran from such acquisition have failed. These sources say that it is only a matter of time and Iran will have a nuclear weapon.
—Alex Fishman, "Iran's Nuclear Development Reached 'Point of No Return'," Yediot Aharonot (Tel Aviv) 16 February 1999; in FBIS Document FTS 19990216001294, 16 February 1999.

18 February 1999
Gennadiy Kulik, Russian deputy prime minister, says Russia will fulfill its commitment to Iran to build the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—"Russia To Carry Out Its Commitments Regarding Bushehr Plant—Minister," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 18 February 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 February 1999
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami visits Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. Khatami wants construction of the first phase to finish soon, fulfilling government hopes that the plant will help boost Iran's weak economy. He says the plant will "show the world Iran's technical capabilities." Khatami says that the Bushehr project would provide 3,500 jobs in Iran and be "a brilliant star" in the country's economy.
—"Khatami Wants N-Plant Readied Earlier," Dawn (Karachi), 20 February 1999, <http://www.dawn.com>; "Khatami Defense Bushehr Power Plant," Dawn, 18 February 1999, <www.dawn.com>.

25 February 1999
Several Russian officials deny Russia's alleged illicit cooperation with Iran on nuclear missile technologies. The officials included Speaker of the Russian Duma Gennadiy Seleznev, a spokesman for Russian General and Vocational Education Minister Vladimir Filippov, Rector of the D.I. Mendeleyev Russian Chemical-Technological University Pavel Sarkisov, former Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, Rector of Moscow Aviation Institute Aleksandr Matviyenko, and Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev.
—"Seleznev Denies Claimed Russian Cooperation with Iran," Interfax, 25 February 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990225000895, 25 February 1999; "USA Imposes Sanctions on Russian Firms Suspected of Nuclear Links to Iran," ITAR-TASS, 25 February 1999; Ekho Moskvy Radio, 25 February 1999; in "Iranians at Russian Institute Comply with Nuclear Agreements - Rector," Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>, 26 February 1999; Interfax, 25 February 1999; in "Russian Minister Denies US Claims of Nuclear Cooperation with Iran"; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>, 27 February 1999.

March 1999
Russian Deputy Minister of Atomic Energy Viktor Mikhailov publishes an article in Yadernyy Kontrol. Mikhailov says that agreements with Iran are being developed along the lines of the Bushehr project. Mikhailov attributes the three-year delay in execution of the project to relocating the site from the seismically active northern region of the country, proposed earlier by the Iranians, to its present location in 1995. Additional time was lost because of Iran's insistence on carrying out the construction and maintenance work independently. After Iran made no tangible progress, Minatom took full charge of the construction in 1998; currently there are 600 Russian specialists working on the site. Mikhailov also explains that the Iranian offer for cooperation in uranium mining and enrichment was similar to Minatom's agreement with China, where Russia is building a gas centrifuge plant. Mikhailov asserts that despite criticism by Russian opposition political parties and the United States, Russia must continue its nuclear cooperation with Iran if it wants to retain its allies in the Persian Gulf region and in the Islamic world in general.
—Viktor Mikhailov, "Minatom i Mezdunarodnoye Sotrudnitchestvo" [Minatom and International Cooperation], Yadernyy Kontrol, Vol. 2, March-April 1999, pp. 62-66.

11 March 1999
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami announces at a state dinner in Rome that his country will work towards the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Khatami's meeting with Massimo Dalema, Italy's Prime Minister, signifies a relationship in which, he states, "Iran and Italy can work together towards opposing all forms of violence, aggression, terrorism, racial and ethnic discrimination, as well as the proliferation of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction."
—"Iranian Leader Offers to Curb Nuclear Arms/'We Can Work Towards Opposing All Forms of Violence, Aggression and Terrorism'," The Australian, 11 March 1999, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

16 March 1999
Kamal Kharazi, Iranian foreign affairs minister meets with Mohammed Al-Baradi the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency and Wolfgang Hoffman, the executive secretary of the organization of Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Kharazi reiterates the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program and calls for a nuclear free zone in the Middle East. Kharazi also thanks the International Atomic Energy Agency for its support for Iran against US criticism.
—IRNA 16 March 1999; in "Iran's Kharazi Meets IAEA, CTBT Chiefs in Vienna," FBIS Document FTS19990316001825.

17 March 1999
Yevgeniy Adamov, Russian minister of atomic energy, says that Russia has proposed that the United States lift all sanctions imposed on two leading Russian nuclear research centers in exchange for the complete cessation of the centers' cooperation with Iran. [Note: See 12 January 1997.] The aim of the proposal is to reinstate valuable contracts between the United States and the institutions. Adamov proposed signing a separate agreement for each institution: one for the Scientific Research and Design Institute of Energy Technologies (NIKIET), and one for the D.I. Mendeleyev Russian Chemical-Technological University. NIKIET was preparing a contract to sell a research reactor to Iran, but the Russian government decided not to sell the reactor. A US expert said that NIKIET was the focus of US concerns, because it is the principal Russian entity that could have provided assistance beyond the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The D.I. Mendeleyev Russian Chemical-Technological University provided unclassified information on heavy water technologies to Iran. According to a senior US official, Adamov allegedly has Prime Minister Primakov's support for putting forward the proposals. Under Adamov's proposal, a procedure would be established to resolve future disputes regarding the provision of Russian nuclear technology to Iran. The US Department of Energy has been so worried about the safety implications of the sanctions that it secretly appealed to the White House, asking that some exceptions be made so that important safety work could go forward, a US official said.
—Michael R. Gordon, "Russia to Offer US Deal to End Iran Nuclear Aid," New York Times, 17 March 1999; "Moskva gotova svernut raboty s Iranom v obmen na snyatiye SShA sanktsiiy v otnoshenii dvukh rossiyskikh yadernykh NII," Interfax, No. 1, 17 March 1999; "Russia to Expand Peaceful Nuclear Programs in Iran," Interfax, No. 2, 17 March 1999.

22 March 1999
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Russian Prime Minister Yevgeniy Primakov agree to set up a joint committee to oversee the transfer of non-conventional weapons technology to Iran. Netanyahu says during the meeting with Primakov that Iran does not possess a missile that is able to reach Israel. Prime Minister Primakov refuses to answer questions as to whether Russia was granting Iran assistance in the nuclear field.
—"Committee to Oversee Russian Technology Transfers to Iran," Qol Yisrael, 22 March 1999, FBIS Document FTS19990322001172, 22 March 1999.

April 1999
Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg begins producing equipment for the primary circuit, reactor vessel, steam generator casing and internals for the Bushehr reactor in Iran.
—"Iran Nuclear Milestones," The Risk Report, Volume 6, Number 4, July-August 2000, accessed in <http://www.wisconsinproject.org>.

April 1999
US intelligence reports that at least four subsidiaries of the Czech company Skoda, among them Skoda-Praga and Skoda-Plzen, were negotiating with the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy regarding the Bushehr atomic power plant. However, the Czech subsidiaries back out under US pressure.
—Vladimir Lapskiy, "Sol Na Ranu Vashingtona," Rossiyskaya Gazeta, 19 May 1999, p. 7.

2 April 1999
Yevgeniy Adamov, Russian minister of atomic energy, rejects comments by Viktor Mikhailov, former Russian minister of atomic energy, that Russia might stop nuclear cooperation with Iran. Admanov says Mikhailov's remarks do not represent the thinking of the Ministry of Atomic Energy and that they stem from Mikhailov's failure to "develop" the Bushehr nuclear power plant project while he was minister.
—"Atomic Energy Minister Stresses Continued Cooperation With Iran," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 5 April 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 April 1999
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu asks the US Congress to wait six months before applying sanctions against Russia or Russian entities for exporting dangerous items to Iran to see if Russia halts the exports on its own. The request is believed to be the result of a meeting the week prior between Netanyahu and Russian Prime Minister Yevgeniy Primakov. Netanyahu had previously asked the United States to impose sanctions against Russia for exporting items to Iran. One unnamed congressman replied that if the US does not apply sanctions, Iran will have nuclear weapons in six months.
—"Israel: USA Reportedly Angry At Netanyahu's 'New Policy' Towards Russia," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 5 April 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 April 1999
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens calls for severing Russia's nuclear cooperation with Iran. At the same time, Russia says that it will honor its agreements and will work to reach new agreements with Iran.
—Sajedi report from Moscow, Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 13 April 1999; in "Israel Objects to Russia-Iran Nuclear Cooperation"; FBIS Documents FTS19990413000894, 13 April 1999.

23 April 1999
Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, Russian deputy minister of atomic energy, says Russia has made a "technical and commercial proposal" to Iran for the construction of a second unit at the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—"Russia Offers To Construct Nuclear Power Unit In Iran," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 23 April 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 May 1999
The Jerusalem Post reports that Chinese leaders have informed Israeli President Ezer Weizman that China will not supply Middle Eastern countries with "weapons that could pose a threat to Israel." The pledge follows Weizman's visit to China, during which he discussed the issue of Chinese missile and nuclear assistance to Iran with Chinese government officials.
—Batsheva Tsur, "China Vows Not to Sell Nukes to Iran," Jerusalem Post, 3 May 1999, p. 3; in Lexis-Nexis, 3 May 1999, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 May 1999
Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Yevgeniy Adamov says that Iran has officially offered to expand its cooperation with Russia on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and explore the possibility of building a second unit at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Adamov says that both sides should carefully study the feasibility of constructing a second reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. He adds that Russia has not yet decided on this offer, and it is preparing a reply to the Iranian proposal. Adamov does not rule out the possibility of Iran awarding the contract to another country after it examines Russia's reply. Russia is continuing the work on the first block, which "is going actively enough, strictly in line with the contract," Adamov says.
—"Iran Offers to Expand Nuclear Cooperation," Interfax, 8 May 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990508000294, 8 May 1999.

19 May 1999
After Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's five-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, Iran and Saudi Arabia issue a joint statement in which the two countries "expressed their support for turning the Middle East into a zone free from weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, expressing their absolute belief that Israel's policy, based on producing and stockpiling types of weapons of mass destruction and its non-compliance with international laws and treaties poses a real and serious threat to peace and security in the region."
—"Saudi, Iranian Leaders Issue Joint Statement," SPA (Riyadh), 19 May 1999; in BBC (London), 19 May 1999, <http://www.bbc.co.uk>.

19 May 1999
Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports that Russia has almost completed construction of the first unit of the nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Russia will earn around $1 billion for the completion of the first unit. About 1000 Russian specialists are currently working on the second reactor at Bushehr. Many potential suppliers and builders of atomic power plants have backed out of cooperating with Iran in the nuclear field due to US pressure.
—Vladimir Lapskiy, "Sol Na Ranu Vashingtona," Rossiyskaya Gazeta, 19 May 1999, p. 7.

24 May 1999
Iran Report reports that several Russian companies are involved with the Bushehr nuclear power station in Iran: Electrosila signed an $18 million contract to supply power generators; Izhorskiye Zavody of St. Petersburg signed a $44 million agreement to supply a reactor; and the Leningrad Metal Factory is expected to sign a contract to provide turbines. In addition, the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry is training 38 Iranian nuclear specialists at the Atomtekhenergo facility. The Iranians will have the opportunity to make international connections because the facility already trains Bulgarian specialists, and will soon train Indian and Chinese nuclear scientists.
—Bill Samii, "Russia Rejects US Nuclear Worries," Iran Report, 24 May 1999, <http://www.rferl.org/iran-report>.

6 June 1999
F. Dawlatabadi, the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry's department for the CIS and Caucasus, says that Iran and Russia are considering a plan to expand their cooperation in nuclear power engineering. Dawlatabadi says that the cooperation between the two countries is peaceful and both sides are working on a new phase of cooperation with regard to construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
—Konstantin Kazeyev, "Iranian Official on Nuclear Cooperation with Russia," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 6 June 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990606000549, 6 June 1999.

6 June 1999
The Nuclear Research Center for Agriculture and Medicine in Karaj starts a three-week "regional training course" on "non-destructive nuclear testing." Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency attend the course. Mohammad Haji, deputy of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran for safety system, says, "The purpose of the training course is to upgrade the scientific know-how and standardization of quality control in industries that need to conduct nuclear tests." Such industries include oil, petrochemicals, shipping, and airplane manufacturing, he says.
—Michael Rubin, "Iran's Burgeoning WMD Program" Middle East Intelligence Bulletin, March/April 2002, <http//www.meib.org>; "Regional Training Course On Quality Control, Nuclear Tests Opens," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 15 June 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

8 June 1999
Speaking at an international conference on the safety of Russia's power stations, Bulat Nigmatulin, the Russian Deputy Minister for Atomic Energy, says that Russia might sign new agreements to construct VVER-1000 [1000MW] nuclear power reactors in several countries, including Iran. Currently, Russia is building one VVER-1000 light water reactor in Iran. The cost to construct a VVER-1000 light water reactor is $1.5 to $2 billion. Nigmatulin states that Russian power stations "are equipped with highly safe reactors." He also announces that preliminary talks have begun with Iran [presumably on an additional reactor].
—"Russia May Build Other Nuclear Reactors Abroad," Interfax (Moscow), 8 June 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990609001048, 8 June 1999; "Russia to Build 'Modern' Nuclear Plants," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran First Program Network (Tehran), 9 June 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990609000383, 9 June 1999.

11 June 1999
The Iranian embassy in Baku expresses its concern to the Azeri authorities over alleged negotiations to dump of radioactive waste in the Caspian Sea. [Note: See also 24 October 1997.]
—IRIB Television (Tehran), 11 June 1999; in "Iran Contacts Azerbaijan Over Nuclear Waste in Caspian," FBIS Document 19990611001699.

14 June 1999
The Iran Report reports that a 1997 Georgian state chancellery document reveals that Iran obtained nuclear reactor equipment from Georgia for $36,000. Iran is also reported to be seeking Georgian nuclear scientists for research at Iranian universities, a move made possible by Georgia's foundering economy.
—Bill Samii, "Iran's Kharrazi Visits Georgia," Iran Report, 14 June 1999, Vol. 2, No. 24, <http://www.rferl.org>.

28 June 1999
Russian Prime Minister Sergey Stepashin signs a directive permitting the Russian government to prepare for negotiations with Iran to build three new units at the Bushehr nuclear power station. If the negotiations are successful, Russia will earn $2 billion, according to preliminary calculations. Discussions on this topic will take place during the visit of Iranian Interior Minister Abdul Wahid Musavi-Lari to Russia 29 June-1 July 1999. In May 1999, Iran put forward a proposal to Russia for building an additional unit at the Bushehr nuclear power station. According to Deputy Minister of Atomic Energy Vladimir Vinogradov, Russia won the Bushehr contract despite competition from several European Union countries, and, apart from political considerations, Iran selected the Russian bid because Russian nuclear technology is cheaper than European technology. Russia refutes US allegations that Iran has a secret nuclear weapons program and explains that the Bushehr contract stipulates the construction of VVER-1000 [1000MW light-water] nuclear reactors, which cannot produce sufficient plutonium for fabricating nuclear weapons. Moreover, the spent fuel would be returned to Russia. At present, Russia is building one VVER-1000 light water reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. This contract is worth more than $800 million. Russian nuclear specialists expect to fulfill $150 million of the Iranian contract in the current year. According to Minatom, the first unit is 30 to 40% complete.
—Dow Jones International News; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>; Ivan Gidaspov and Mariya Ignatova, "Nash Milyy Yadernyy Drug [Our Dear Nuclear Friend]," Izvestiya, 30 June 1999, <http://www.roline.ru/>.

3 July 1999
In a meeting with Majlis (Iranian parliament) Speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri, the deputy chairman of the Duma (Russia's lower house of parliament) Artur Chilingarov, says that the cooperation between Russia and Iran in constructing the Bushehr nuclear power plant was a model of bilateral cooperation. Chilingarov also says that Russia is prepared to expand scientific and technical relations with Iran.
—"Iran's Speaker, Russian Official Discuss Bushehr, Ties," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 3 July 1999, FBIS Document FTS19990703000671, 3 July 1999.

6 July 1999
Deputy chairman of the Czech Republic's Chamber of Deputies Jiri Payne urges Industry Minister Miroslav Gregr not to support the possible delivery of Czech cooling facilities for an Iranian nuclear plant built with Russian assistance, as it could augment Iran's nuclear capacity. According to Payne, "This has unquestionable security impact on the whole region...."
—BBC Worldwide Monitoring — CTK News Agency — Prague, 6 July 1999; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

9 July 1999
The National Post of Toronto reports that the United States is concerned over the possible sale of Canadian fusion technology and a tokamak fusion reactor to Iran. There is a possibility that this may constitute the sale of sensitive or dual-use technology. The Nuclear Control Institute, based in Washington, DC, says that even though Iran has signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran might use the reactor to obtain weapons-grade plutonium. According to an unnamed senior US government official, Canadian officials in the Export Control division at the Foreign Affairs Ministry have assured the United States that Canada will not permit the export of fusion technology and the tokamak reactor to Iran. [Note: See 12, 14 July 1999.]
—Peter Morton, "Canada's Nuclear Deal with Iran Alarms the US," Robert Fife, National Post (Toronto), 9 July 1999, <http://www.nationalpost.com>; Robert Fife, "Canada Set to Block Reactor Sale to Iran: US," National Post (Toronto), 14 July 1999, <http://www.nationalpost.com>, (15 July 1999).

12 July 1999
Reuters reports the Canadian Center for Fusion Magnetics, is currently discussing plans to provide Iran with nuclear technology know-how and an experimental reactor. [Note: See 9, 14 July 1999.]
—Bill Samii, "Iran Seeking Fusion Reactor?," Iran Report, 12 July 1999, Vol. 2, No. 28, <http://www.rferl.org/>.

14 July 1999
The Canadian Foreign Ministry gives the United States "strong assurances that Canada will block the proposed sale" of a fusion reactor to Iran.
—"Canada Not To Sell Fusion Reactor To Iran," Xinshua, 14 July 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

20 July 1999
The US House of Representatives passes a measure to withhold funds from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) programs that assist Iran in the construction of a nuclear power plant. The measure, sponsored by New Jersey Democratic Representative Robert Menendez, would allow the release of funds to the IAEA only if the secretary of state certifies that Iran is not using the money to acquire sensitive nuclear technology or for military uses.
—Ceci Connolly, Tom Edsall, Washington Post, 20 July 1999.

20 July 1999
Karel Samec, spokesman for Czech engineering company Skoda Plzen, says the company is negotiating a $200 million contract with Iran for consulting work at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. "In no case will we be supplying nuclear components or technology to Iran," he says. Jocelyn Greene, spokeswoman for the US embassy in the Czech Republic, says the United States opposes Czech nuclear cooperation with Iran.
—"Skoda Helps Bushehr," Nuclear Engineering International, 20 July 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 July 1999
Iran condemns the decision by the US House of Representatives to stop the payment of the US share to the budget of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Such action will prevent the IAEA from assisting Iran in the construction of its nuclear plants. The House of Representatives made the payment contingent on confirmation by the US Secretary of State that the funds will not go to assist Iran. [Note: See 20 July 1999.]
—Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran First Program Network (Tehran), 21 July 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990721000684, 21 July 1999.

22 July 1999
Nucleonics Week reports that the foreign affairs department of the Canadian government is expected to prepare a preliminary report within a month on plans to sell Canada's fusion energy research program to Iran. Sean Rowan, spokesman for the foreign affairs department, says the report will follow analyses by the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) and the department "to see where exactly the components and reactor as a whole fit into existing Canadian legislation." Managers at the Canadian Center for Magnetic Fusion in Varennes, Quebec have discussed selling the tokamak reactor, related equipment, and technology to a research center in Iran. The Center expects that the Iranians would hire about 10 researchers from Varennes as consultants. However, Rowan says that a sale would not take place for a long time and would be subject to extensive export control investigation. He says "obviously, fusion reactors are currently experimental and have not been proven capable of producing commercially viable energy nor nuclear explosive devices." In addition, Rowan notes that "Canada does have a policy of controlled engagement with Iran right now. It places limits on bilateral relations with them because of certain Iranian policies in the area of human rights, support for international terrorism, rejection of the Middle East peace process, and its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction."
—Ray Silver, "Canadians Planning Report On Sale of Fusion Research Work to Iran," Nucleonics Week, 22 July 1999, p. 4.

24 July 1999
Former Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani says that Iran has regularly paid its contribution to International Atomic Energy Agency. [Note: This statement is probably in response to a 20 July 1999 vote by the US House of Representatives to withhold funding for the IAEA.] He adds that Iran has called for a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East.
—IRNA (Tehran) 24 July 1999; in "Tehran Papers Slams US 'Threats' Against IAEA Over Iran," FBIS Document FTS19990724000294 24 July 1999

26 July 1999
Nonproliferation issues, export control and disarmament policies are discussed between the Russia and Iran at the level of directors of departments from the foreign ministries of the two countries. The two countries also discuss future nuclear cooperation.
—ITAR-TASS, Moscow 27 July 1999; in "Russia, Iran Hold Nuclear Nonproliferation Talks," FBIS Document FTS 19990727000371, 26 July 1999.

28 July 1999
After a meeting with Iranian Minister of Mines and Metals Eshaq Jahangiri, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Aksyonenko tells journalists that Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, would visit Moscow in August or September. Sources in the Russian government have reported that Aqazadeh will visit Russia to discuss cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Aksyonenko also tells journalists that Russian Prime Minister Igor Ivanov is planning to visit Tehran. Aksyonenko said, "we are ready to sign an intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technical cooperation."
—"Iranian Atomic Energy Chief to Arrive in Moscow," Interfax (Moscow), 28 July 1999; Dimitriy Kirsanov, "Russia, Iran to Exchange Visits, Sign Accord," Itar-Tass (Moscow), 28 July 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990728000980, 28 July 1999.

2 August 1999
Russian Prime Minister Sergey Stepashin declares that it is not in Russia's interests for other countries, including Iran, to acquire nuclear weapons. Stepashin adds that Russia is prepared to look into specific instances, if any, of Russian nuclear technology and weapons proliferation. Stepashin's declaration is made following a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in Moscow. According to Stepashin, Barak expressed concern over the proliferation of missile technology to Iran and the absence of a control mechanism in Iraq. Barak speaks to Russian journalists after the talks with President Boris Yeltsin, Prime Minister Sergey Stepashin, and Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. He says that Russia denied allegations of nuclear technology proliferation and requested more information on this subject.
—"Rossiya Ne Zainteresovana, Chtoby Kakiye-Libo Strany, v Tom Chisle Iran, Obladali Yadernym Oruzhiyem-Stepashin" [It is not in Russia's Interest for Other Countries, Including Iran, to Possess Nuclear Weapons-Stepashin], Interfax, 2 August 1999, <http://www.interfax.com>; "V Moskve Izrailskogo Premera Zaverili, Chto Rukovodstvo RF Ne Dopustit Utechek Yadernykh Tekhnologiy" [In Moscow the Israeli Premier is Assured that the Leadership of the Russian Federation Does Not Allow Leakage of Nuclear Technology], Interfax, 2 August 1999.

3 August 1999
Mlada Fronta Dnes reports that Czech officials have been trying in vain for three months to find a way to prevent Czech firms from assisting Iran in the completion of the Bushehr nuclear plant. The Czech firm Skodaexport is trying to provide some technical assistance to Iran. Czech lawyers and Ministry officials have concluded that there is no mechanism for stopping Czech firms from offering advice abroad.
—CTK (Prague), 3 August 1999; in "Unofficial Contacts With Bushehr Project Continue," FBIS Document FTS 19990803000393, 3 August 1999; BBC Worldwide Monitoring — CTK News Agency — Prague, 3 August 1999; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

9 August 1999
The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine reports German companies have been warned by the German government against doing business with several Russian firms accused of assisting Iran's weapons procurement program. Russia refutes the claims stating "nobody has proved that Russia supplies missile technologies to Iran."
—Bill Samii, "Russia, Iran, and Israel Discuss WMD," Iran Report, 9 August 1999, Vol. 2, No. 32, <www.rferl.org>.

21 August 1999
Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics dismisses a report by a Turkish daily alleging that Iran intends to perform nuclear tests.
—IRNA, 21 August 1999; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

22 August 1999
Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani says that Iran's armed forces do not have any research program for developing nuclear energy for military purposes. Shamkhani points out that Iran adheres to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and that Iran's current programs are for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and conform to internationally agreed standards. He also notes that the policy of the Iranian government is to get rid of non-conventional weapons in the Middle East and Gulf region. Iran says that US-Israeli allegations regarding Iran's nuclear program are propaganda from "Zionist circles" aimed at preventing Iran from conducting peaceful nuclear projects.
—"Air-to-Ground Missile Tests Performed Successfully: Iran Denies Its Intention of Conducting Nuclear Missile Tests for Military Purposes," Al-Ayam (Bahrain), 23 August 1999.

1 September 1999
Nezavismaya Gazetta reports that future scientists at the Bushehr Nuclear plant will undergo a technology, work organization, and equipment training at the Balakovo nuclear power station. The Russian station is believed to be similar to the Bushehr plant, and will provide Iranian specialists with information pertinent to the safe management of a nuclear reactor. The Iranian specialists are expected to complete their training by August 2001.
—Sergey Sergiyevskiy, "Iranian Trainees at Balakovo Nuclear Power Station," Nezavismaya Gazetta (Moscow), 1 September 1999; in "Russia To Train Nuclear Specialists For Bushehr," FBIS Document FTS 19990902000321, 1 September 1999.

7-9 September 1999
In an interview with a Russian television station, Mehdi Safari, Iran's ambassador to Moscow says that "as long as the Russians do not fulfill their initial commitment to complete, the Bushehr plant no new contract will be signed with them." Iran Daily also quotes Safari as saying "delays have occurred in this project, but we hope the Russians will carry out their responsibilities as planned." The Bushehr nuclear power plant was initially supposed to be completed by 2002, but Russian officials now say they expect the first unit to be finished by May 2003. Iran denies this report, however, saying that Iranian ambassador to Russia Mehdi Safari said that Iran might hold off on nuclear cooperation with Russia due to delays in the completion of the Bushehr plant. IRNA reports that the Iranian embassy told Interfax that "Iran, as before, is prepared to expand its cooperation with Russia in all fields."
—"Russia Failing Its Nuclear Commitments," Iran Daily (Tehran), 8 September 1999, <http://www.iran-daily.com>; "Embassy Denies Nuke Suspension Report," Iran Daily (Tehran), 9 September 1999, <http://www.iran-daily.com>.

10 September 1999
Sean Rowan, spokesman for the Canadian foreign ministry, says Canada has put an experimental fusion reactor on its export control list, effectively barring its potential sale to Iran. [Note: See 14 July 1999.]
—"No Nukes: Ottawa Rejects Hydro-Quebec's Plan To Sell Iran Experimental Fusion Project," The Gazette (Montreal), 10 September 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 September 1999
Akram Zaki, chairman of Pakistan's Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, tells the Middle East Institute that Pakistan would not give, nor has it ever given, sensitive nuclear information or technology to other countries. Pakistan is neither aware of, nor party to, Iran's interest in the nuclear field, he says.
—"N-technology never passed on to other countries: Zaki," The News International, 21 September 1999, <http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html>.

21 September 1999
Four men are arrested while trying to sell 1kg of uranium-235 in Batumi, Georgia. The leader of the group is Valiko Chkhivazde, a professional chemist. Shukri Abramidze, Leader of the Georgia Academy of Sciences Physics Institute's Atomic Center, believes the U-235 was destined for Iran.
—Mikhail Vignanskiy, "Georgians Detain Uranium Traders," Segodnya (Moscow), 23 September 1999; in "Georgia: Seized Uranium May have been Iran-bound," FBIS Document FTS 19990923000335, 23 September 1999.

24 September 1999
ITAR-TASS reports that the Russian Leningrad Metal Factory signs a $38 million contract with the Atomstroyeksport company to provide a 1,000MW turbine for the Bushehr nuclear power station in Iran. The turbines will reportedly be delivered during the second half of 2000.
—"Russian Company to Supply Nuclear Turbine to Iran," ITAR-TASS, 24 September 1999, FBIS Document FTS19990925000885, 24 September 1999.

27 September 1999
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and other armed forces of Iran stage a "nuclear defense" drill in an abandoned village near Hamadan. The mock war is code-named "ya Fatima az-Zahra" (invoking prophet Mohammad's daughter Fatima). Local fire fighting and relief personnel practice extinguishing fires and providing medical attention, including giving victims "anti-nuclear baths." This drill occurs on the 10th anniversary of the day Iranian forces "ousted" Iraqi troops from the city of Abadan in southwestern Iran.
—"Armed Forces Stage Nuclear Defense Maneuvers In Hamedan," IRNA, 27 September 1999, <http://www.irna.com>.

27 September 1999
Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Mehdi Safari, says that Iran and Russia should "develop cooperation in all spheres, including military-technical ties, the exchange of technologies, etc." Safari says that Iran was not a threat to the United States. In fact, Safari says Washington is manufacturing threats as a "pretext for the deployment of a limited national anti-missile defense system." Safari adds that, "Iran strictly abides by the principle of nonproliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction."
—"Iran for Ties With Russia," Interfax (Moscow), 27 September 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990927000608, 27 September 1999.

28 September 1999
At the annual meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, calls for Israel to put its nuclear facilities under full-scope IAEA safeguards.
—"Indirect Non-Proliferation Discussions With Israel," Middle East News, 11 October 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29 September 1999
Haaretz reports that Iran approached Israel through the United Kingdom to discuss nuclear proposals, such as not striking first, not arming missiles with nuclear warheads, and restricting long-range missiles. Israel refused to respond to the proposals, in part because doing so could acknowledge the existence of Israeli nuclear weapons. [Note: See 30 September 1999.]
—"Indirect Non-Proliferation Discussions With Israel," Middle East News, 11 October 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

30 September 1999
Hamid Reza Assefi, spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, denies that Iran has approached Israel through the United Kingdom with proposals on limiting nuclear weapons. "The Islamic Republic of Iran's talks with the British government concerned international disarmament and ways of confronting proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction," he says. "Neither in these or any other talks anything was raised to link these measures with the Zionist regime." The British Foreign Office also denies that it acted as an intermediary between Iran and Israel on the issue of nuclear arms. [Note: See 29 September 1999.]
—"Indirect Non-Proliferation Discussions With Israel," Middle East News, 11 October 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 October 1999
Unian reports that Ukraine is under pressure to reconsider its decision not to participate in the construction of the nuclear complex in Bushehr. Russia has told Ukraine that some parts of the nuclear plants that were planned to be built in India can be transferred to Ukrainian companies.
—Unian (Kiev), 4 October 1999; in "Ukraine May Review Iran Nuclear Plant Project Decision," FBIS Document FTS 19991004000964, 4 October 1999.

7 October 1999
At a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Javad Zarif, Iranian deputy foreign minister, calls for practical steps towards the elimination of nuclear weapons. He says nonproliferation cannot work while nuclear weapons exist.
—"Iran Calls For Elimination of Nuclear Arms," Xinhua, 7 October 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 October 1999
Swedish state television reports that Iranian agents have smuggled US electronic equipment used in Swedish nuclear reactors from Sweden to Iran. The Swedish police are searching for the suspect, Ehsan Amuzandeh, an Iranian-born college student, who admitted previously that he had sent such equipment to a Tehran university last year. [Note: See 25 November 1999.]
—AP (Sweden), 11 October 1999; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>; "US Nuke Equipment Smuggled To Iran," Middle East Newsline, 11 October 1999, <http://www.menewsline.com>.

2 November 1999
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak expressed his concern to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin over continued Russian missile and nuclear technology leaks to Iran. Putin replies that his government was trying to stop the "leaks," but it was difficult due to private companies' involvement. Putin adds that Iran might be receiving technology from other sources. Putin also states that discussions over the technology leaks to Iran were ongoing with the United States. He reiterates Russia's proposition to hold similar talks with Israel by establishing a joint committee to exchange information on the transfer of technology to Iran, a proposal Israel has not favored in the past.
—Aluf Benn, "Barak complains to Russia about leaks to Iran," Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 3 November 1999, <http://www3.haaretz.co.il>; Qol Yisrael, 2 November 1999; in "Putin Promises Baraq to Stop Russian Nuclear Exports," FBIS Document FTS 19991102000213 2 November 1999.

15 November 1999
Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, meets in Russia with officials regarding the progress on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, bilateral cooperation on nuclear power plants, and upgrading existing nuclear cooperation. The two sides agree that the remaining work on Bushehr would have to go more quickly. A report on the plant will be given to the International Atomic Energy Organizaiton. Gholam Reza Agazadeh also says that 26% of the nuclear power plant is completed and that 25% of the station power engineering equipment has been installed.
—"Atomic energy organization head off to Moscow," IRNA, 15 November 1999, <http://www.irna.com>; "Moscow committed to nuclear power plant agreement with Tehran," IRNA, 15 November 1999, <http://www.irna.com>; Interfax (Moscow), 18 November 1999; in "Russia, Iran: Bushehr Nuclear Plant Build Satisfactory," FBIS Document FTS 19991118001433 18 November 1999.

18 November 1999
Gholam Reza Aqazadeh, head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says that the construction of the nuclear power plant at Bushehr is on schedule and that the project has reached "a good technical level."
—Agence France-Presse, 18 November 1999; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.

21 November 1999
A senior Israeli military official says Iran will have nuclear capability within five years if the United States does not pressure Russia to stop providing military aid to Iran. Israeli intelligence has information that Iran plans to upgrade its Shehab-3 ballistic missile to make it capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and to extend its range to 1,300 miles. The Israeli official says that Iran is currently working on the Shehab-4 and Shehab-5. He says that because of this new intelligence, the United States and Israel are discussing ways to increase pressure on Russia to stop military assistance to Iran. He also states that Israel views the combination of surface-to-surface missiles and non-conventional weapons in Iran as "a threat to the world."
—Ron Kampeas, "Iran Issues Russia Ultimatum to US," Washington Post, 21 November 1999, <http://www.washingtonpost.com>.

25 November 1999
Iranian-born Swedish university student Ehsan Amuzandeh is convicted of smuggling equipment to Iran that could be used to trigger nuclear weapons. He is sentenced to four months in jail. [Note: See 11 October 1999.]
—AP (Stockholm), 25 November 1999; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>; "Peking Ceases Its Nuclear Cooperation With Tehran, An Iranian Student Smuggles Nuclear Technology From Sweden," Al-Zaman (London), 10 December 1999, p. 1.

27 November 1999
The Czech firms [ZVVZ] Milevsko and Skoda Praha win a contract for the delivery of ventilation equipment for the Russian companies completing the construction of the nuclear power plant Bushehr.
—CTK (Prague), 27 November 1999; in "Czech Firms Win Contract To Work on Iran Nuclear Plant," FBIS Document FTS 19991127000666, 27 November 1999.

28 November 1999
Igor Ivanov, the Russian foreign minister, says that the construction of the nuclear power plant in Bushehr concerns only Russia and Iran. No other country has any influence on the construction process, he says. He discards fears that Russia might yield to US pressure to suspend the construction of the nuclear power plant. The Iranian vice-parliamentary speaker says that Iran has made its relations with Russia a "priority" and that progress on Bushehr demonstrates that both countries have rejected US pressure. Russian Power Minister Yevgeniy Adamov says that construction on Bushehr is "developing dramatically" and that it is "gradually entering a timetable which was largely directive but which is more and more becoming an actual timetable of meeting out obligations."
—Vladimir Dunayev, "Russian Minister's Successful Lightning Visit. Tehran and Moscow will Cooperate Still More Closely," Izvestiya (Moscow), 30 November 1999; in "Ivanov Visits Tehran, Signs Cooperation Agreements," FBIS Document FTS 19991130000856, 30 November 1999; Russia Rejects US Pressure To Halt Iranian Cooperation, Middle East Newsline, 29 November 1999, <http://www.menewsline.com>.

29 November 1999
IRNA reports that Wolfgang Hoffman, the first executive secretary of the preliminary commission of the nuclear Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), is expected in Tehran for a three-day visit. Mr. Hoffman is expected to discuss Iranian views of the treaty and explore cooperation possibilities between the CTBT and Iran.
—IRNA (Tehran) 29 November 1999; in "Iran: CTBT Official Due in Tehran for Talks" FBIS Document FTS 19991129001005 29 November 1999.

3 December 1999
Yevgeniy Adamov, Russia's Atomic Energy Minister, says work on Iran's nuclear power plant in Bushehr is moving at a brisk pace. Adamov reports over 1,500 people are being used to complete the project, which now includes the building of a second power unit.
—"Iranian Nuclear Project Going 'at Brisk Pace'," British Broadcasting Corporation, 3 December 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 December 1999
The Tehran press reports Iran has cancelled an agreement with China to build a nuclear power plant in Bushehr. US accusations that Iran is attempting to build weapons of mass destruction may have propelled China to change its mind, Tehran reports. A similar agreement between the Ukraine and Iran was terminated under US pressure in 1998. Iran announces it will end its nuclear cooperation with China for "political reasons" and not due to pressure from the United States on China. The joint Russian-Iranian nuclear power plant project in Bushehr Iran is said to be for peaceful purposes and falls under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
—"Peking Ceases Its Nuclear Cooperation With Tehran, An Iranian Student Smuggles Nuclear Technology From Sweden," Al-Zaman (London), 10 December 1999, p. 1; "Iran Cancels Nuclear Power Plant Project with China," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 9 December 1999, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 December 1999
US General Anthony Zinni, commander-in-chief of US Central Command, says, "I think [Iran] will have nuclear capability in a few years."
—"UPI Focus: General: Iran Greater Threat Than Iraq," United Press International, 9 December 1999; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.