Russia has begun delivering nuclear fuel to Iran to be used in Tehran’s nuclear power program. The United States has been trying to prevent Russia from delivering the enriched-uranium fuel rods for years. But on Monday President Bush said he supports Russia’s plan, if it leads to a suspension of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.

President Bush: “Today Russia sent some enriched — or in the process of sending enriched uranium to Iran to help on their civilian nuclear reactor. If that’s the case, if the Russians are willing to do that, which I support, then the Iranians do not need to learn how to enrich.”

Iran said it had no intention of suspending its uranium enrichment program, despite the fuel shipment from Russia. Iran also confirmed plans to build a second nuclear power plant in southern Iran.