Iran’s Nuclear Chief in Moscow for Power Plant Deal as UN Sanctions Loom

Visit to Russia

Iran’s atomic energy chief and vice president, Mohammad Eslami, arrived in Moscow on Monday for talks with Russian officials, according to Iranian state media. His visit comes as the United Nations weighs whether to reinstate sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme.

UN Security Council Dispute

On Friday, the 15-member UN Security Council rejected a draft resolution that sought to permanently lift sanctions on Iran. Russia and China supported the move, while Britain, France, and Germany opposed it. The European powers are pushing to reimpose restrictions, accusing Tehran of breaching the 2015 nuclear agreement designed to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran has denied seeking nuclear arms. Moscow, meanwhile, has defended Tehran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy.

Iran-Russia Nuclear Agreement

Eslami announced that Iran and Russia would sign cooperation agreements during his trip. These include a plan to build eight new nuclear power plants as part of Iran’s target to expand nuclear capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2040.

“Contract negotiations have been completed. With the signing of the agreement this week, we will move to operational steps,” Eslami said.

Currently, Iran operates only one nuclear power plant in Bushehr, built by Russia, with a capacity of about one gigawatt. The country faces frequent electricity shortages, especially during peak demand periods.

European Concerns and Sanctions

Britain, France, and Germany have offered to delay reinstating sanctions for up to six months if Iran agrees to restore access for UN inspectors, reduce enriched uranium stockpiles, and engage in talks with the United States on a long-term deal.

Any delay would need a fresh Security Council resolution. Without an agreement by September 27, however, all UN sanctions will automatically return.
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