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Iran currently operates just one nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr, also built by Russia, with a capacity of around 1 gigawatt
Alexei Likhachev, General Director of Rosatom, meets with the head of the Iranian Atomic agency Mohammad Eslami in Moscow. (AFP photo)
Russia and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly build small nuclear power plants across Iran, Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom announced on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed in Moscow by Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev and Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran and the country’s vice president. Rosatom described the deal as a “strategic project”, according to a report from Reuters.
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The plan marks a significant step in Iran’s long-term goal of expanding its nuclear energy capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2040.
Iran currently operates just one nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr, also built by Russia, with a capacity of around 1 gigawatt (GW). The country experiences frequent electricity shortages during peak demand seasons.
Speaking to Iranian state media earlier this week, Eslami said the new project aims to construct eight small-scale nuclear power plants. He did not provide a timeline but said the facilities will help Iran reduce reliance on fossil fuels and manage power shortages.
Russia and Iran have maintained close ties in recent years. Moscow has publicly supported Tehran against Western pressure and condemned both US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure in June. The strikes were said to be aimed at curbing Iran’s alleged ambitions to build a nuclear weapon — a claim Iran denies.
Iran Rebuilds Missile Sites Hit By Israel
This development comes shortly after reports emerged that Iran is rebuilding several missile production sites targeted by Israeli strikes during their 12-day conflict in June.
According to satellite images analysed by the Associated Press, construction has resumed at sites in Parchin and Shahroud — key locations for the manufacturing of solid-fuel missiles.
However, experts say a crucial component — large “planetary mixers” used to blend solid fuel — has not yet been replaced. These mixers are vital for producing fuel efficiently and evenly. Without them, Iran’s ability to restore full missile production remains limited. Observers suggest that Iran may attempt to purchase such mixers from China, as it has done in the past for other missile components.
Missile experts warn that Iran is likely racing against time, as United Nations sanctions targeting missile development may be reimposed later this month. These sanctions could further restrict Iran’s ability to import specialised equipment and materials for its missile programme.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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September 24, 2025, 23:59 IST
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