Iran and Russia Sign $25 Billion Nuclear Power Deal

Iran and Russia have signed a $25 billion agreement to build four nuclear power plants in Tehran. The deal was announced just hours before new UN sanctions on Iran are expected to return. State television reported the contract was signed between Iran Hormoz company and Russia’s Rosatom. Each plant will have a capacity of 1,255 megawatts, significantly increasing Iran’s nuclear energy output. However, no timeline for completion has been provided.

Currently, Iran operates only one nuclear power plant in Bushehr, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. This single plant supplies only a small part of the country’s energy needs. The new plants in Sirik, Hormozgan, aim to boost Iran’s electricity production substantially. The project highlights Tehran’s focus on expanding its civilian nuclear energy despite international pressure. It reflects Iran’s strategy to improve energy security.

The announcement comes as snapback UN sanctions on Iran are set to return by the end of Saturday. Britain, France, and Germany triggered these sanctions last month, accusing Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal. China and Russia proposed a Security Council resolution to extend talks by six months. However, the proposal is unlikely to pass due to lack of support from Western nations. The sanctions aim to pressure Iran into compliance.

Western countries accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian purposes only. The United States withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018, which led Iran to reduce its commitments. Recent talks between Washington and Tehran were disrupted by Israeli strikes on Iran in June. These strikes triggered a brief conflict involving Iran and the US.

Iran previously signed a nuclear energy deal with Russia in 1993. This agreement allowed Russia to build the Bushehr nuclear plant after Germany abandoned the project in 1979. The new $25 billion deal strengthens cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. It signals Iran’s determination to develop its nuclear energy sector despite global tensions. The project marks a significant step in Iran’s energy ambitions.