In a move that could reshape the energy and geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, Iran and Russia are preparing to sign a series of landmark agreements for the construction of new nuclear power plants in Iran. The deal, confirmed by both Iranian and Russian officials, comes as Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and vice president, leads a high-level delegation to Moscow this week. The visit coincides with World Atomic Week, a major international forum running from September 25 to 29, 2025, in the Russian capital.
Upon his arrival in Moscow on Monday, September 22, Eslami made clear the significance of the upcoming accords. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “The contract between the governments of the two countries envisages the construction of eight nuclear power plants by Russia, four of which are in Bushehr.” According to Eslami, Iran has already notified Russia about the construction of the remaining plants, with locations chosen, prepared, and equipped. “Once the new agreement is concluded later this week, work will immediately move into the operational phase of design, engineering, and implementation,” he added, as reported by Tehran Times and Reuters.
Iran’s ambitious nuclear energy plans are not new, but the current deal signals a deepening partnership with Moscow at a time of heightened regional tensions and international scrutiny. Iran aims to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity through nuclear power by 2040, a dramatic increase from its current capacity. The only operational nuclear facility in the country, the Bushehr plant on the Gulf coast, was completed with Russian assistance and currently generates around 1 gigawatt of electricity. Construction of the second and third units at Bushehr is already underway, underscoring the central role Russia plays in Iran’s energy sector, according to Newsweek.
“Contract negotiations have taken place and with the signing of the agreement this week, we will enter the operational steps,” Eslami told Iranian state media, as cited by Reuters. The World Atomic Week forum, which gathers industry leaders and government representatives from around the world, provides an ideal platform for Tehran and Moscow to finalize these arrangements and showcase their growing technical cooperation.
The timing of the deal is no accident. It comes just days after the United Nations Security Council failed to adopt a resolution that would have permanently lifted sanctions on Iran. The draft, backed by Russia and China, was rejected on September 19, 2025, as Britain, France, and Germany (the so-called European troika or E3) pressed to reimpose sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to comply with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran, for its part, denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons and insists its program remains peaceful—an assertion supported by Moscow.
“The European countries should allow world bodies to carry out their duties impartially and professionally within the framework of international regulations,” Eslami said, urging the E3 not to undermine the credibility of the United Nations and other international institutions. He went further, warning that the current conduct of Britain, France, and Germany “obstructs peace and runs counter to international law,” as reported by Tehran Times.
The diplomatic backdrop is further complicated by recent military conflict. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, targeting military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Days later, the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in what Tehran described as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Eslami sharply criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for what he called its “silence” in the face of these attacks, stating, “The Agency’s silence shows the destructive influence running deep within it.”
Despite these challenges, Iran has maintained that it continues to meet its safeguard obligations under the IAEA and will persist with its peaceful nuclear activities. “Tehran has consistently upheld its safeguard commitments and continues to pursue a peaceful nuclear program,” Eslami reiterated, according to Tehran Times and Newsweek.
Meanwhile, the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia has grown considerably in 2025. Earlier this year, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a broad treaty covering trade, military cooperation, science, culture, and education. The agreement highlights the importance both governments attach to strengthening their overall bilateral relationship, especially as both nations face heavy international sanctions.
While the nuclear deal with Russia moves forward, Iran is also preparing for talks with the E3—France, Britain, and Germany—on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading the delegation, with discussions expected to focus on the future of the JCPOA and the possibility of extending sanctions relief. The E3 has offered to delay reinstating sanctions for up to six months if Iran restores access for UN nuclear inspectors and engages in talks with the United States. However, if no agreement is reached by September 27, 2025, all UN sanctions will be reimposed, according to Reuters.
The stakes are high. Iran suffers from chronic electricity shortages during peak demand months, making the expansion of nuclear energy a practical necessity as well as a political priority. The new agreements with Russia are expected to accelerate the development of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, providing much-needed power and signaling Tehran’s determination to pursue energy independence.
For Moscow, the deal further cements its status as a key player in the Middle East’s energy and industrial sectors. Russian involvement in Iran’s nuclear program not only strengthens bilateral ties but also serves as a counterweight to Western efforts to isolate both countries economically and diplomatically.
As the World Atomic Week forum unfolds in Moscow, all eyes are on the outcomes of the Iran-Russia agreements and the broader implications for international monitoring of nuclear activities in the region. The coming days will reveal whether diplomacy, technical cooperation, and strategic alignment can overcome the formidable obstacles posed by sanctions, regional conflict, and mutual suspicion.
With the operational phase of new nuclear plant construction poised to begin, Iran and Russia are doubling down on their partnership—sending a clear message to both allies and adversaries that their cooperation is here to stay.
