Following Its Shutdown, Iran’s Lone Nuclear Power Facility Is Now Operational

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s lone nuclear power facility has reopened after an emergency shutdown two weeks ago, according to official television.

According to the article, the Bushehr facility “returned to producing energy” after essential maintenance was completed, according to Mostafa Rajabi Mashahdi, a spokeswoman for the country’s energy ministry.

Mashahdi did not go into detail, but Iran’s nuclear ministry stated last week that experts were trying to repair the plant’s damaged generator.

Bushehr might close because of American sanctions that prevent Iran from purchasing equipment for repairs, authorities warned earlier this year.

The International Atomic Energy Agency monitors Bushehr, which is powered by uranium generated in Russia rather than Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed receiving reports concerning the project but declined to comment.

Bushehr, on the shore of the Persian Gulf’s northern reaches, began construction in the mid-1970s under Iran’s shah. The facility was regularly targeted in the Iran-Iraq war after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The facility was eventually constructed by Russia.

The 1,000-megawatt plant provides enough electricity to feed the grid for a small portion of Iran’s 64,000-megawatt usage.