Russia and Iran Sign Agreements to Build 8 Nuclear Plants Amid Sanctions Tensions

Russia and Iran have signed new agreements to deepen their nuclear energy cooperation. Iran’s Vice President and head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, traveled to Moscow to finalize agreements for the construction of eight new nuclear power plants. This move comes at a critical time as the UN Security Council considers reimposing sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.

The 15-member UN Security Council recently rejected a draft resolution aimed at permanently lifting sanctions on Iran. This step, supported by Russia and China, came in direct opposition to efforts by the UK, France, and Germany to reimpose UN sanctions. The European nations accuse Tehran of not complying with the 2015 agreement designed to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon, while Iran and Russia maintain that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Iran's Nuclear Energy Ambitions

Iran, which faces electricity shortages during peak demand months, aims to reach 20 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2040. Currently, the country has only one operational nuclear power plant in the city of Bushehr, which was built by Russia.

Eslami told state-run media that the new agreements will enable the two countries to begin "operational steps" for the construction of the eight new plants. Meanwhile, the UK, France, and Germany have offered to delay the reimposition of sanctions for up to six months to allow for talks, on the condition that Iran grants UN inspectors access to its sites, addresses concerns about its enriched uranium stockpiles, and engages in talks with the United States.

With the September 27 deadline looming, all UN sanctions will be reimposed if no agreement on a postponement is reached.