Head of the Russian Federation's Atomic Energy Agency Alexander Rumyantsev said on Saturday that Russia may construct seven other nuclear power plants in Iran. Speaking to Ria-Novosti news agency, he said the total cost of the projected power plants has been estimated at US $10 billion.

Iranian officials are currently studying the issue with Russia as well as some other countries, he pointed out. "We believe that Iran needs such nuclear capabilities for peaceful application of nuclear technology," he said.

Russian nuclear technicians are now preparing themselves for the implementation of the project in Iran, he said. Russia is now constructing the first phase of the Bushehr nuclear power plant valued at over US $800 million. The Bushehr nuclear power plant is to become operational by 2006.