Iran has proposed to form a consortium with its neighboring countries in the Gulf region for developing nuclear power plants. The head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Reza Aqazadeh, forwarded this proposal while addressing the opening session of the First International Seminar on Nuclear Power Plants, Environment and Sustainable Development.

It is reported that Mr. Aqazadeh urged participants of the two-day seminar to form a consortium to construct and develop light water nuclear power plants in the region. He also mentioned that Iran would soon be ready to provide a comprehensive plan for the proposal if it were approved in generalities by the Persian Gulf littoral states. This seminar opened in Tehran on Sunday morning in the presence of Iranian Majlis speaker, Ali Larijani and representative of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Christer Viktorsson. Throughout the seminar there would be extensive discussions regarding the need for nuclear energy as a replacement; the setting up of nuclear power plants as a national strategy; nuclear power plants and global energy market, development of nuclear energy and sustainable development and nuclear energy. The other important subjects for discussion included global warming and the role of international bodies to protect environment and safety in developing nuclear power plants.