Russian officials quoted as saying  opening of nuclear plant may be delayed because Iranian government was behind on payments

A top Iranian nuclear official says Iran is up to date with its payments for a Russian-built nuclear power plant.

Earlier Monday Russian officials were quoted as saying the opening of the nuclear plant may be delayed because the Iranian government was behind on payments.

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However, Iran's state news agency, IRNA, quoted the deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Saeedi as saying Iran has been making payments according to the contract for the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

Russia is due to begin nuclear fuel deliveries to the plant in March. The nuclear power station is scheduled to open in September.

The United States accuses Iran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the claim, saying its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.