Key facts
- Russia and Iran are expanding nuclear cooperation amid Western sanctions.
- New nuclear power plants are planned, including the Sirik project worth $25 billion.
- IAEA faces obstacles monitoring Iran's nuclear sites, including uranium enrichment facilities.
- Russia's Rosatom is involved in constructing two additional reactor units at Bushehr, targeting 2029 for one unit's operation.
- Concerns exist about potential diversion of sensitive nuclear technologies and Iran's accumulation of 60% enriched uranium.
Russia and Iran are deepening their nuclear cooperation, including the construction of new power plants and fuel supplies, as both nations navigate extensive Western sanctions. This partnership, formalized by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty and a 2024-2026 Cooperation Plan, provides commercial opportunities for Russia and access to nuclear technology for Iran. The Bushehr nuclear power station, completed by Russia's Rosatom, is central to this relationship, with work continuing on two additional reactor units. A new $25 billion nuclear power plant, Sirik, is also planned near the Strait of Hormuz. This burgeoning cooperation occurs as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faces significant challenges in monitoring Iran's nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment facilities, raising concerns about transparency and the potential diversion of sensitive technologies.