Tehran and Moscow are set to sign a deal in the coming days for Russia to construct new nuclear power stations in Iran, according to Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).
Eslami confirmed the imminent deal to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Russia and Iran have long cooperated on nuclear power.
Newsweek reached out to the Foreign Ministries of Iran and Russia for comment.
Why It Matters
The agreement underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, two nations under heavy international sanctions. Expanding nuclear energy capacity remains a central priority for Tehran, while Moscow’s involvement strengthens its role in Iran’s energy infrastructure and broader industrial projects.
The deal comes amid heightened regional tensions. During the 12-day war with Israel earlier this year, the United States bombed three of Iran’s nuclear sites, demonstrating the vulnerability of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the strategic stakes for all parties involved.
In this context, Tehran’s cooperation with Moscow is closely observed by international actors, given its implications for energy production, regional security, and the broader geopolitical alignment in the Middle East.
What To Know
Eslami arrived in Moscow on Monday to lead a delegation to World Atomic Week, stating that his trip would include visits to factories and meetings with scientific and research institutes aimed at strengthening collaboration. He highlighted Iran’s plan to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity through nuclear power, with Russia assigned a key role in developing new plants. Construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is already underway.
Bushehr, located on Iran’s Gulf coast, was initially started with German assistance in the 1970s but was completed with Russian support, making it Iran’s first and only operational nuclear facility. Eslami emphasized that these projects are a priority for both Tehran and Moscow, with ongoing negotiations expected to accelerate progress.
Strategic Partnership
Earlier this year, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a broad strategic partnership treaty. According to officials from both countries, the agreement covers trade, military cooperation, science, culture, and education. The treaty underscores the importance both governments attach to strengthening their overall bilateral relationship.
Iran Prepares for Talks in New York
While engaging with Russia, Iran is also preparing for nuclear discussions with France, Britain, and Germany (E3) in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Tehran on Sunday to lead the delegation. The talks follow the U.N. Security Council’s failure to adopt a resolution extending sanctions relief under the 2015 nuclear deal, highlighting the continuing challenges in international negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
What Happens Next
The World Atomic Week forum will convene in Moscow from September 25 to 28, bringing together representatives from countries developing nuclear programs, industry leaders, and heads of major companies.
The event is set to provide a platform for Tehran and Moscow to advance ongoing nuclear projects, strengthen scientific cooperation, and coordinate technical efforts. The outcomes of the forum are expected to influence Iran’s nuclear development, define Russia’s role in the sector, and shape broader international monitoring of nuclear activities in the Middle East.