Why it matters:
The announcement comes as Iran faces Western pressure over its nuclear programme, as the international bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are failing to act impartially.
The big picture:
Under a previous bilateral agreement, Russia was slated to construct eight reactors in Iran, four of them at the Bushehr site.
Eslami said preparations — including site selection and groundwork — have been completed, and the new accord will move the project into its operational phase.
The visit underscores deepening Iran-Russia cooperation as both countries remain under heavy Western sanctions.
What he’s saying:
Eslami in Moscow:
“Negotiations and technical studies have been completed, and with this week’s agreement, we will begin the operational phase of design, engineering, and construction.”
“We have consistently respected safeguards under the IAEA and pursued peaceful nuclear programmes. What we demand is impartiality and professionalism.”
“The agency’s silence on US and Israeli attacks against our safeguarded nuclear facilities reflects the influence of destructive political currents.”
He warned that Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA would only continue if the agency acted “fairly” and in line with Iranian law passed in 2025 limiting cooperation after foreign attacks on its facilities.
Key points:
- Iran’s parliament passed legislation earlier this year mandating the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA until conditions for impartiality are met.
- In September, Tehran and the IAEA reached a temporary understanding in Cairo on how to manage relations under the new restrictions.
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the deal would remain valid only “as long as no hostile action, including snapback sanctions, is taken against Iran.”
Go deeper:
Russia is already the main partner at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility, completed in 2011.
The nuclear partnership is expanding alongside economic cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, including energy projects.
Mojtaba Darabi - Mojtaba Darabi
