NICOSIA — Iran plans to construct a series of nuclear reactors.

A senior Iranian official said Teheran has signed contracts to establish six nuclear power plants by 2021. They said this was in addition to the Russian reactor at Bushehr, expected to begin operations by 2009.

One Iranian company contracted to search for nuclear sites was identified as Khatam Ol Anbia, a subsidiary of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Bakhsh said two Russian, one Canadian and a Swiss company were seeking to join Iran's nuclear reactor project.

"After finalizing the locations, construction of the power plants can begin," Bakhsh said.

Iran has also reported the launch of construction of at least one indigenous nuclear reactor, a 360 megawatt facility at Darkhoin near the Iraqi border. Officials said negotiations have been conducted with Russia for additional nuclear facilities.

"Darkhoin is under basic design, and there has been a nine-year scheme drafted for its construction," Bakhsh said.

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