Iran will build eight nuclear power plants with Russia, with four of the facilities to be located in the southern city of Bushehr, MEHR reported, citing Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei. The announcement marks a significant development in the Russia–Iran nuclear power deal, aimed at expanding Iran’s domestic energy capacity.

Rezaei made the remarks following a visit by members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and several of its facilities, including the Tehran Research Reactor. The delegation received briefings on the latest progress in the country’s nuclear program and ongoing work in radioisotope production.

According to Rezaei, Mohammad Eslami, head of the AEOI, emphasized that the construction of Units 2 and 3 of the Bushehr nuclear power plant is being carried out entirely by Iranian firms, showcasing the country’s growing capacity in nuclear engineering and infrastructure.

The agreement reflects broader efforts tied to Iran's nuclear energy expansion, with Iranian officials consistently highlighting the importance of self-reliance and strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia, in the face of continued Western pressure and sanctions.

Iran signals determination to maintain, expand nuclear program

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said, as cited by MEHR, that the timing of the visit to the AEOI carried political weight, signaling to foreign adversaries that Iran's nuclear ambitions will not be compromised.

“Iran’s nuclear industry is not something that can be shut down. We will stand firm for the nuclear industry to our last breath and will never back down,” Azizi declared.

There is a reason why only a few nations master the ability to fuel nuclear reactors. Apart from significant financial resources and political vision, it requires a solid industrial base and a technological-academic complex that can produce necessary human resources and know-how.…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 4, 2025

The latest developments come amid intensified scrutiny of Iranian nuclear development by Western governments, though Iranian authorities maintain that all activities are peaceful and fall within international frameworks.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran continues to play a central role in advancing the country's scientific and energy objectives, and the inclusion of the Tehran Research Reactor in recent site visits further underlines Iran’s commitment to both medical and energy-related nuclear applications.