Iran's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the fuel placed inside the Bushehr nuclear reactor will be temporarily removed to run a number of tests. “Upon Russia's request fuel will be removed from the core of the reactor in order to conduct a number of tests and [carry out] technical work,” Ali Asghar Soltanieh told ISNA on Saturday.

"After the tests are conducted, [the fuel] will be placed in the core of the reactor once again," Soltanieh added.

The Iranian official explained that Russia is responsible for completing the Bushehr power plant in accordance with highest safety standards.