Russian Nuclear Specialists Withdrawn from Iran Amid Rising Tensions

More than 500 Russian citizens have returned home from Iran through Armenia since early April, according to Russia's embassy in Yerevan. This group reportedly includes 175 technical specialists working at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. Their departure coincides with heightened regional tensions. Israel's suspected strike on Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus on April 1 marked a major escalation. Iran responded with its first direct missile and drone attack on Israeli territory. The Bushehr plant, built and initially operated by Russia, is a central part of Iran's civilian nuclear program. The sudden recall of essential personnel raises questions about the facility's immediate operations. Moscow has not officially linked the specialists' return to the recent conflict. However, the timing suggests a precautionary move by Russia to protect its citizens from potential fallout.