Iran and Russia Formalize Agreement for Eight New Nuclear Power Units

A significant deepening of strategic energy cooperation between Tehran and Moscow was formalized on November 2, 2025, when Mohammad Eslami, Vice President of Iran and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), publicly confirmed an agreement with the Russian Federation. This landmark deal mandates the joint construction of eight new nuclear power plant (NPP) units within the Islamic Republic, a move explicitly aimed at bolstering the nation's energy independence and self-sufficiency.

According to the detailed plans revealed, four of the eight powerful new facilities are slated for construction in the province of Bushehr, situated along the Persian Gulf coast. This location is already home to Iran’s first operational nuclear power station. The remaining four units will be strategically distributed across other vital regions of the country. This ambitious atomic expansion is taking place concurrently with other developments, including the recent initiation of work on a new NPP located in Golestan province, bordering the Caspian Sea, a project Mr. Eslami also highlighted.

This latest commitment to eight units substantially builds upon earlier understandings reached between the two nations. Specifically, on September 26, 2025, Iranian officials had already announced an accord with Moscow concerning the development of four third-generation NPP units, each designed to generate approximately 1255 MW of power. Once all these announced projects reach full operational status, projections indicate that Iran’s total atomic generation capacity will soar to an impressive 20,000 MW.

To put this figure into perspective, Iran's projected capacity of 20,000 MW is comparable to the overall output of all currently operating Russian NPPs, which, according to data provided by Rosstat, stands at 28,639 MW. This massive energy push is framed by Tehran as a necessary effort to restore and strengthen national capabilities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has consistently affirmed the country’s unwavering dedication to the exclusively peaceful development of its atomic sector. He has vehemently dismissed attempts to link the nuclear program to weapons development, labeling such assertions as “aggressive propaganda.” Furthermore, the President declared his resolute intention to rebuild nuclear facilities that sustained damage due to external impacts in June 2025, promising to do so “with even greater force and determination.” Adding weight to these claims, Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, previously noted that Iran possesses the requisite technical capabilities needed to successfully restore its damaged infrastructure.

The robust cooperation with Russia is cemented by a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed on January 17, 2025. This collaboration extends far beyond the construction of conventional, large-scale power units. Discussions are actively underway regarding a more adaptable approach, specifically involving the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with the participation of “Rosatom.” This willingness to explore diverse energy solutions, such as SMR technology, underscores Iran’s commitment to diversifying its power generation portfolio and maximizing the benefits derived from its strategic alliance with the Russian Federation.