Tehran and Moscow are set to deepen their long-standing cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy. Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, announced that an agreement will be signed with Russia in the coming days to construct new nuclear power plants.

This development comes following mounting Western pressure on Iran's nuclear activities, with Tehran accusing international organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), of lacking impartiality.

Under a previous bilateral framework, Russia was expected to build eight nuclear reactors in Iran, including four at the Bushehr site. Eslami confirmed that site selection and preliminary groundwork have already been completed, and the forthcoming agreement will usher the project into its operational phase.

Eslami, currently in Moscow to attend World Nuclear Week, emphasized that technical studies and negotiations are finalized. "With this week’s agreement, we will begin the operational phase of design, engineering, and construction," he said.

He added that Iran remains committed to peaceful nuclear development and has adhered to all IAEA safeguard protocols. However, he criticized the agency's silence regarding US and Israeli attacks on safeguarded Iranian facilities, saying such inaction reveals the influence of destructive political forces.

Iran’s stance on IAEA cooperation

In response to ongoing threats and external interference, Iran has passed legislation requiring the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA unless the agency demonstrates impartiality. Eslami warned that continued collaboration hinges on the agency acting fairly and in accordance with the Iranian law passed in 2025.

A temporary understanding was reached between Tehran and the IAEA in September during a meeting in Cairo to manage relations under these new restrictions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that this deal would only remain in place if no hostile measures, such as the reimposition of sanctions, are taken against Iran.

Earlier this year, Iran's parliament mandated a conditional halt to cooperation with the IAEA. The law stipulates that only if the agency operates without bias and foreign attacks are addressed will collaboration continue.

Following a recent vote by the UN Security Council to reimpose sanctions on Tehran, Iran's Supreme National Security Council officially suspended cooperation with the IAEA. The move was described by Iranian officials as a direct response to what they called the E3's (UK, France, Germany) politically driven actions.

Criticism of the IAEA 

Eslami reiterated from Moscow that the reputation of international institutions should not be tarnished by the influence of the Israeli entity and certain European states. He urged the IAEA to fulfill its duties professionally and without political interference. He stated, "Whenever we see the Agency act with neutrality, and the requirements of the new parliamentary law are upheld, our cooperation will continue."

Russia remains Iran’s principal partner at the Bushehr nuclear facility, completed in 2011. Their nuclear cooperation is part of a broader strategic alliance, which includes expanding economic and energy collaborations, especially as both countries face extensive Western sanctions.