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Iran signs nuclear reactor deal with Russia

29 September 2025

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in construction of small-scale nuclear power plants (SMRs) in Iran has been signed between the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) and Rosatom.

The MOU was signed by Rosatom director general Alexey Likhachev and AEOI head Mohammad Eslami, who was in Moscow to attend Rosatom’s World Atomic Week.

The agreement was concluded in order to expand cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy to promote sustainable development, energy security and technological progress and in accordance with the national laws and international obligations of the two countries.

AEOI said that, in line with the implementation of this understanding, contracts for the design and construction of power plants based on SMRs will be drawn up and signed.

“These reactors will play an important role in the development of technical knowledge and nuclear technology and industries related to the manufacture of power plant tools and equipment in Iran. In addition, the acquisition of small-scale modular reactor technology (SMR) can provide a new capacity to power large industries and balance the electricity network.

During their talks, Eslami and Likhachev discussed the progress of ongoing projects, as well as prospects and promising agendas for further cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. Eslami’s visit will also include tours of contracted factories, meetings with scientific and research institutions, and discussions aimed at strengthening research and educational cooperation.

Rosatom said the meeting “took place in an atmosphere of mutual trust, openness and constructiveness”. Russia has publicly supported Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for civilian use, despite international pressure.

Eslami said Iran and Russia have agreed to build eight new nuclear power plants in Iran, signalling deeper cooperation between the two countries and that formal agreements would be signed shortly, allowing construction work to begin. Eslami added that the goal is to help Iran reach 20GWe of nuclear energy capacity by the year 2040.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Moscow, Eslami said agreements have already been signed between the two governments, with Russia assigned a defined share in this development process.

He further noted that the construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is currently under way by Russia. He underlined that the project is a priority for both Tehran and Moscow, adding that ongoing negotiations will help facilitate and advance these joint efforts.

Construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran began in 1975, but stopped in 1979 after the start of the Islamic revolution. In 1992, Russia and Iran signed an agreement to continue the construction of the station using Russian VVER-1000 technology. In September 2011, the first power unit was connected to the network. Its official transfer to Iran took place in September 2013.

Eslami said: “The contract between the governments of the two countries envisages the construction of eight nuclear power units by Russia, four of which are in Bushehr.” According to the contract, he added, Iran had to notify the Russian side about the construction of the remaining plants.

He added that the negotiations and necessary studies for the implementation of the second part of the contract have been conducted and the location for the construction of the plants has been chosen, prepared and equipped. After the agreement is concluded, the operational phase for designing, engineering and further actions will automatically begin, he said.

This article was first published by MEED’s sister site Nuclear Engineering International 

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