Five EU countries call for windfall taxes on energy companies amid rising energy prices
¬ Diplomatic sources debunk rumor of "new Iranian Supreme Leader visiting Russia"
¬ IAEA has received notification from Iran regarding an attack near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant
¬ IAEA reports no increase in radiation levels following attack on Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant
¬ Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran hit by US-Israel strikes, one killed
¬ Sources: Iran's peace conditions include respect for its right to peaceful nuclear energy
+
According to foreign media citing a letter sent to the European Commission, finance ministers from Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Austria support imposing windfall taxes on energy companies amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel prices.
The report states: "The five finance ministers call for windfall taxes on energy firms to address fuel price hikes triggered by the war in Iran."
As stated in the letter, the finance ministers of Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Austria believe this measure would send a clear message that companies profiting from the consequences of conflict should bear responsibility for alleviating the burden on citizens.
+
Diplomatic sources clarified to journalists that rumors about Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, “visiting Russia” are unfounded, and his injuries have not affected his normal duties.
The sources said: "The new Supreme Leader has never stayed in Russia—even for an hour. He sustained only minor injuries and is fully capable of performing his duties."
Previously, Kuwait’s Al-Jarida newspaper reported in March, citing sources, that Iran’s new Supreme Leader was rushed to Moscow for emergency treatment after being injured.
+
According to a statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has notified the agency of an attack near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant this morning.
The IAEA posted on social media platform X: "Iran has informed the IAEA of a shelling incident near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant this morning—this marks the fourth such event in recent weeks."
Earlier, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization claimed that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was attacked by the United States and Israel, resulting in the death of one staff member.
+
The IAEA stated that no increase in radiation levels has been recorded following the attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
The IAEA wrote on X: "No increase in radiation levels has been recorded."
It is reported that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing that nuclear power plant facilities and premises must not be targeted. He noted that auxiliary facilities may house critical equipment essential for ensuring safe operation.
The Iran Atomic Energy Organization announced earlier on April 4 that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site had been struck for the fourth time by U.S. and Israeli forces, resulting in the death of one employee.
Previously, the site had been attacked on March 17, 24, and 27.
+
The Iran Atomic Energy Organization shared news via its Telegram channel stating that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site was struck by the U.S. and Israel, leading to the death of one employee.
The report says: "Explosions and debris caused damage to one building. Regrettably, one employee lost their life."
The Iran Atomic Energy Organization emphasized that the explosion did not affect the normal operation of the nuclear power plant.
Iran’s sole nuclear power plant—the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant—had its first unit completed with Russian participation and connected to Iran’s national power grid in September 2011. The second phase of the plant is currently underway, involving the construction of two additional power units.
Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom CEO Alexey Harlov said on March 3 that work at the construction site for the new reactor at Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has now been suspended due to ongoing military operations.
+
Diplomatic sources told reporters that one of Tehran’s peace conditions includes respect for its right to peaceful nuclear energy use.
The sources said: "One of the conditions for ceasefire is regional peace and stability—not just a temporary halt to fighting… Mechanisms for maintaining lasting peace should include condemnation of aggressors’ actions, war reparations, compensation for material losses, lifting all sanctions, and recognition of Iran’s right to use nuclear energy peacefully."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861546097754120/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone