Iran and Russia will sign an agreement this week for the construction of eight nuclear power plants, Iranian atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday during a visit to Moscow.
If finalized, the move would represent a strong signal of Russian support for the Islamic Republic's nuclear program amid growing military and diplomatic pressure.
Eslami, who is also a vice president in Iran, told state media that four of the reactors would be located at the Bushehr site in southern Iran, where the country’s only operating nuclear power plant is situated.
“The necessary negotiations and studies for the implementation of the second phase of this agreement have been completed, the land for the plants has been selected, prepared and equipped, and with the agreement that will be signed this week we will enter the operational stage,” Eslami said.
He added that site visits had already taken place and contractual talks concluded.
Eslami, who traveled to Moscow to meet officials and speak at Russia’s Nuclear Energy Week, said the project is part of Tehran’s long-term plan to expand nuclear capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2040.
Iran currently generates about 1 GW from its single Bushehr reactor, which was also built by Russia, and has faced recurring electricity shortages during peak demand.
Eslami's remarks comes as Britain, France and Germany (E3) push to reinstate UN sanctions, accusing Iran of violating a 2015 nuclear deal.
The 15-member UN Security Council on Friday rejected a draft resolution to permanently lift sanctions on Tehran. Russia, China and two others voted to do so.
Asked about the outlook for cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Eslami said: “We have always emphasized that these three European countries and the Zionist influence network should no longer damage the credibility of the United Nations and international organizations, and should allow these organizations to perform their duties fairly and professionally within the framework of regulations.”
