MOSCOW/TEHRAN – Russia and Iran on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the construction of small nuclear power plants in Iran, marking a significant step in Tehran’s efforts to develop its peaceful nuclear energy sector. 
The agreement was finalized in Moscow by Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev and Iran’s Vice President and head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Muhammad Eslami. 
Rosatom described the initiative as a “strategic project” that will enhance Iran’s energy infrastructure and support its sustainable development goals.
Speaking to Iranian media earlier this week, Eslami outlined plans to build eight new nuclear power plants, aiming to increase Iran’s nuclear energy capacity to 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2040. Currently, Iran operates a single nuclear power plant in Bushehr, built with Russian assistance, with a capacity of approximately 1 GW.
Iran faces chronic electricity shortages during peak demand periods, and the expansion of nuclear energy is seen as vital to meeting the country’s growing energy needs while advancing environmental sustainability.
The new cooperation comes at a critical juncture as Iran faces renewed economic sanctions following the United Nations Security Council’s recent decision not to permanently lift sanctions related to its nuclear program. 
Russia, alongside China and others, voted against the reimposition of sanctions, emphasizing diplomatic engagement and respect for Iran’s sovereign right to peaceful nuclear technology.
Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes, reaffirming its commitment to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) framework, despite challenges posed by unilateral sanctions and withdrawal from the deal by the United States in 2018.
Iranian officials have criticized the “snapback” mechanism activated

 by the United Kingdom, France, and Germany as a politicized attempt to undermine Iran’s economic development and diplomatic progress. 
Tehran has warned that the reimposition of sanctions would jeopardize cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and threaten regional stability.
Amid escalating tensions in the region, including recent military aggression targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran’s leadership has reiterated its peaceful intentions. 
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has firmly ruled out direct negotiations with the United States, underscoring Tehran’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and pursue technological advancement independently.
The Rosatom-Iran agreement signals a deepening partnership between Moscow and Tehran, reflecting mutual interests in energy security and regional stability. 
Russian officials have condemned recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as destabilizing actions, reaffirming support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development under international law.
As Iran moves forward with its ambitious nuclear energy plans, the collaboration with Russia is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the country’s energy independence and contributing to global efforts for clean, sustainable power generation.