Russian construction of Iran nuclear plant in 'crisis'

Russian and Iranian officials held talks on Wednesday aimed at salvaging a long-delayed project to build Iran's first nuclear power plant from a "crisis," Russia's state nuclear contractor said.

Disputes over payment for the Bushehr plant, which Tehran hopes will be the crown jewel of a civilian nuclear power program, have led to increasing signs that Moscow is putting the brakes on the project.

"We are now in a crisis situation, and the current stage of talks is aimed at finding a way out of it," Irina Yesipova, spokeswoman for state nuclear power plant builder Atomstroiexport, told AFP.