Russia, Iran to Sign Deal for New Nuclear Power Plants

Moscow: Iran and Russia are set to sign agreements this week for the construction of new nuclear power units in Iran, Iranian Atomic Energy Organization Chief and Vice President Mohammad Eslami announced on Monday.

Speaking to Iranian state media upon his arrival in Moscow, Eslami confirmed that the agreements would include plans to build eight nuclear power plants as part of Tehran’s long-term strategy to generate 20GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2040.

“Contract negotiations have been completed, and with the signing of the agreement this week, we will move into the operational phase,” Eslami said.

Growing Tensions with the West

The announcement comes at a sensitive time, as Western powers continue to accuse Iran of failing to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal, designed to prevent it from pursuing nuclear weapons.

Iran has repeatedly denied such allegations, insisting its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Russia has also reaffirmed its support for Iran’s right to develop civilian nuclear energy.

UN Security Council Developments

Just days earlier, the UN Security Council rejected a resolution to permanently lift sanctions on Tehran. However, Britain, France, and Germany offered to delay reinstating penalties for up to six months if Iran agreed to:

• Restore access for UN nuclear inspectors

• Address concerns over enriched uranium stockpiles

• Resume engagement in talks with the United States

At the same time, three European governments triggered the “snapback” mechanism under the decade-old nuclear agreement, resulting in the reimposition of UN sanctions that had previously been suspended.

What Comes Next

The upcoming agreements with Russia are expected to deepen energy cooperation between the two nations, while also adding new dimensions to ongoing international negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.