Iran has begun loading fuel into the reactor core of its Russian-built nuclear power plant, a move which brings the facility closer to generating electricity after decades of delay.
In a report from the plant in the southern city of Bushehr, the Arabic-language Al-Alam channel of public television said engineers "started loading the core of the Bushehr power plant with the nuclear fuel today".
The nuclear material is provided by Moscow which also recovers the spent fuel.
Iran had begun transferring the fuel to the facility on August 21, a process which was described as the "physical launch" of the power plant by Russia which had taken over the construction of the complex in the mid 1990s.
On October 4, Iran's atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi said the power plant would be ready to generate electricity by January -- two months later than previously announced.
The process of loading the fuel has suffered some hiccups, which Mr Salehi has previously blamed on "severe hot weather" in Bushehr.
Iran says it needs the plant, which had been under construction from the 1970s before being completed by Russia, to meet growing demand for electricity.
But Western governments suspect Iran's nuclear programme is cover for a drive for an atomic weapons capability, an ambition Tehran denies.
Iran is under four sets of United Nations sanctions over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, the sensitive process which can be used to make nuclear fuel or, in highly extended form, the fissile core of an atom bomb.
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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