Iran Nuclear Deal to Boost Cooperation Between Moscow, Tehran

Solving the Iranian nuclear issue and lifting sanctions against the country can help broaden nuclear energy cooperation between Russia and the Islamic Republic.

NOVO-OGARYOVO (Moscow Region) (Sputnik) — Russia and Iran first signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy in 1992.

"Of course," Rosatom Director General Sergey Kirienko told reporters on Tuesday when asked whether a comprehensive deal on Tehran’s controversial nuclear activities would help boost its nuclear energy cooperation with Russia. 

In addition to building one unit of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, "all documents and an intergovernmental agreement were signed last year on the construction of eight units in Iran, at Bushehr and on a new site. A contract for the first four has been signed," Kirienko said.

Iranian Students form Human Chain near #Bushehr #Nuclear Power Plant in support 4 #Iran's Negotiating Team. pic.twitter.com/AxJXlAaW4E

— raz zimmt (@RZimmt) February 14, 2015

The Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant went online in 2011 and reached full capacity in mid-2014. Two more units with improved reactors will be built there starting in fall 2015, tripling Iran’s nuclear power production capacity.

Iran is awaiting the removal of Western sanctions imposed on the country over fears it might be developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear energy program. The deadline for a final comprehensive nuclear deal between international negotiators and Tehran is set for June 30.