Report: Iran to build more nuclear power plants

State-owned energy firm seeks new sites despite controversy over program

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updated 11:40 a.m. ET Aug. 19, 2008

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran is preparing to build more nuclear power plants, Iran's official news agency said on Tuesday.

The IRNA report quoted Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh, the head of a state-owned nuclear energy production company.

He said his company signed agreements with other domestic firms to find locations to build new nuclear power plants. He said the process could take about 13 months.

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Iran has previously announced plans to build six more nuclear power plants by 2021.

The country is building its first nuclear power plant in the southern port of Bushehr with the help of Russia. It is expected to go on line later this year.

The U.S. suspects Iran's nuclear program is a cover for developing weapons. Iran denies this, saying it's for generating electricity.