Iran Signs Deal for Nuclear Power Plants with Russia
On Friday, Iran’s national media reported that the Tehran government has reached a memorandum of understanding with Rosatom, the Russian nuclear energy corporation, to construct four nuclear power plants in Iran. This deal is estimated to be worth around $25 billion.
According to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, these plants will be integrated into one facility—the Hormoz nuclear power plant located in southern Iran. The managing company for Hormoz stated that the first of these reactors, supported by Russia, is expected to come online by 2031.
Currently, Iran operates one nuclear power plant in Bushehr, which generates about 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Reports from Iranian state media suggest that each of the four new units at Hormoz will be more powerful than Bushehr, producing roughly 1,255 megawatts each.
Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, mentioned that once the Hormoz facility is completed, it is projected to generate a total of 5,000 megawatts. He stated, “We have engaged in significant research and completed necessary design work and industrial capabilities. Collaborating with Russia is crucial in advancing particular projects.” He added that this endeavor, which has been in development for two years, is soon entering the contract and design phase.
Eslami noted that the inclusion of small modular reactors (SMRs) would be vital for achieving Iran’s nuclear energy objectives and play a significant role in constructing the four larger reactors with Russian assistance. He expressed pride in the advancement of Iran’s nuclear industry, despite challenges from the U.S. and Europe, claiming that Iran has achieved high ranks in technology and industry.
The three European nations—France, Germany, and the UK, known collectively as the E3—were signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal under former U.S. President Barack Obama. Following tensions and nuclear testing disputes, the E3 notified the UN Security Council in August about the activation of “snapback” provisions to restore sanctions against Iran, with a 30-day countdown nearing its end. Meanwhile, Iran’s allies, including China and Russia, aim to delay these sanctions through a Security Council resolution.
Eslami criticized the actions of the E3, aligning them with what he described as the inhumane policies of the U.S. government. He reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program is not intended for military purposes, despite questions surrounding its uranium enrichment practices, which exceed civilian requirements. “Our nuclear program does not have military targets, and they know that,” Eslami emphasized. He concluded, asserting that global powers cannot dominate the Iranian nation and that their nuclear programs are transparent and irreversible.
