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16/02/2005
Confusion after massive blast at Iranian nuclear site
A massive explosion in Iran, approximately 90 miles from Bushehr, the construction site of a highly controversial nuclear plant, is being linked by eyewitnesses with a missile fired from a unidentified plane.
An Iranian government source suggested that the explosion could have been caused by a fuel tank falling from an Iranian plane or possibly friendly fire, however, according to Iranian state television, and the BBC has reported that Russian officials have spoken to Russian workers in Bushehr, who said the situation at the plant was "normal".
The explosion comes at a time of heightened tension between Iran and the US over the former's nuclear ambitions, and on the same day that Iran and Syria agreed a "common front to face challenges and threats".
Iran also today said that it believed the US was using satellites to spy on the country's military and nuclear programme and that it would take any action necessary to prevent such covert observation.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful, but the US has remained unconvinced and lately hinted at possible military action.
Earlier this week the US increased pressure on Syria by recalling its ambassador to show its "deep displeasure" with Damascus after Monday's killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri.
US officials said they were considering imposing new sanctions on Syria after its refusal to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Lebanon, arguing that Syria's military presence was responsible for Lebanon's instability.
(GB)
An Iranian government source suggested that the explosion could have been caused by a fuel tank falling from an Iranian plane or possibly friendly fire, however, according to Iranian state television, and the BBC has reported that Russian officials have spoken to Russian workers in Bushehr, who said the situation at the plant was "normal".
The explosion comes at a time of heightened tension between Iran and the US over the former's nuclear ambitions, and on the same day that Iran and Syria agreed a "common front to face challenges and threats".
Iran also today said that it believed the US was using satellites to spy on the country's military and nuclear programme and that it would take any action necessary to prevent such covert observation.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful, but the US has remained unconvinced and lately hinted at possible military action.
Earlier this week the US increased pressure on Syria by recalling its ambassador to show its "deep displeasure" with Damascus after Monday's killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri.
US officials said they were considering imposing new sanctions on Syria after its refusal to withdraw its 14,000 troops from Lebanon, arguing that Syria's military presence was responsible for Lebanon's instability.
(GB)
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