Iran and Russia Sign $25 Billion Nuclear Plant Deal Amid Controversy
Iran and Russia have inked a $25 billion deal to construct new nuclear power plants in Iran, as reported by Iranian state television and confirmed by multiple international news sources. This development comes amid a standoff between Iran and Western countries over its nuclear program, and just as claims emerge that Russia has delivered fighter jets to Iran.
Historical Context and Current Standoff
Iran currently has one operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr in the south, with a capacity of just 1,000 megawatts, which is only a fraction of the country's energy needs, according to The Hindu. Amidst a deepening economic crisis and a resurfacing talk of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in Tehran, Iran has been seeking ways to bolster its energy capacity.
The Nuclear Power Plant Deal
The spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed that negotiations and agreements were made with the Russian delegation regarding the construction of five nuclear power plants larger than Bushehr, as reported by IRNA English. The new reactors, to be built by Rosatom, are expected to hold a total capacity of 5GW in the southern Hormozgan province, according to Al Jazeera English.
The planned Hormoz Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will consist of four power units and is expected to be commissioned by 2031, TASS reports. The project site, spanning 500 hectares, has already been allocated.
Implications and Reactions
The deal has drawn widespread international attention, not least because of the ongoing standoff between Iran and Western countries over Iran's nuclear program. As Le Monde points out, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have set conditions for Tehran to curb its nuclear program, with the deadline expiring this Saturday at midnight.
This deal, as The Times of Israel highlights, also coincides with the looming reimposition of snapback sanctions from the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian foreign minister has declared that the agreement to cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors will be void if the sanctions are reimposed as expected on Saturday night.
The Fighter Jets Controversy
Adding to the controversy, Middle East Eye reports that an Iranian lawmaker's claim that Russia has delivered MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to Iran has made headlines across Iranian media. However, no official sources in either country have confirmed this claim.
Conclusion
As Iran continues to grapple with economic and political challenges, the $25 billion nuclear deal with Russia comes at a critical juncture. The international community watches closely as the deadline for Tehran to curb its nuclear program approaches, and controversy over the alleged delivery of Russian fighter jets adds fuel to the fire.