Iran and Russia will sign agreements to build new nuclear reactors, a move welcomed by Moscow but criticized by Western powers accusing Tehran of breaching the 2015 nuclear deal.
MOSCOW — Russia and Iran will sign agreements this week on the construction of new nuclear power units in Iran, Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday, according to Russian state news agency RIA.
Eslami, who also serves as Iran’s vice president, made the announcement during a visit to Moscow, underscoring deepening nuclear cooperation between the two countries at a time of heightened Western concern.
Western governments accuse Tehran of breaching commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which sought to curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. They argue Iran has advanced enrichment capabilities that could shorten its pathway to developing a nuclear weapon. Tehran denies the allegations, insisting its nuclear program is strictly for civilian energy production.
Russia, facing its own isolation from the West over the war in Ukraine, has reiterated support for Iran’s “right to peaceful nuclear energy.”
The announcement coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer to extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty with the United States by one year, as Washington and Moscow weigh the future of the last remaining pact limiting their vast nuclear arsenals.