The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, recently arrived in Moscow for crucial discussions, Iranian state media reported. His visit comes at a pivotal moment, as the United Nations is weighing the possibility of reinstituting sanctions against Tehran regarding its nuclear ambitions.
Just days prior, on Friday, the 15-member UN Security Council had rejected a proposed resolution aimed at permanently lifting sanctions on Iran. This rejection was supported by both Russia and China, who stand in opposition to efforts by Britain, France, and Germany to reimpose these UN-backed restrictions.
The European nations contend that Tehran has not adhered to the terms of the 2015 agreement with world powers, an accord designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. While Iran consistently denies any such intent, Russia maintains its support for Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.
Eslami, who also serves as Iran’s Vice-President, confirmed to Iranian state media that his visit to Russia would include the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements. A significant part of this agenda involves a plan to construct eight new nuclear power plants, as Iran aims to boost its nuclear energy capacity to 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2040.
“Contract negotiations have concluded, and with the signing of this agreement this week, we are set to move into the operational phases,” Eslami stated.
Currently, Iran operates only one nuclear power plant in Bushehr, built by Russia, with an approximate capacity of 1 GW. This existing plant struggles to meet the nation’s electricity demands, especially during peak consumption periods.
Meanwhile, Britain, France, and Germany have proposed a six-month delay in reintroducing sanctions. This grace period is intended to facilitate talks on a comprehensive, long-term nuclear deal with Tehran, provided Iran reinstates full access for UN nuclear inspectors, addresses concerns about its enriched uranium stockpiles, and engages in discussions with the United States.
Any suspension of sanctions would necessitate a new Security Council resolution. If an agreement on such an extension is not finalized by September 27, all existing UN sanctions will automatically be reinstated.