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Russia Denies Starting Construction of Two Nuclear Power Plants in Iran Next Week

Jan 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Russia has denied reports that it will begin construction of two nuclear power plants in Iran next week, suggesting that the information may have been misinterpreted by Iranian officials. This denial comes amid ongoing cooperation between Russia and Iran on nuclear projects, particularly in Bushehr, where a power plant is already under construction.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Russia's denial of imminent construction of nuclear plants in Iran highlights the complexities of nuclear cooperation and the delicate nature of international communications.

👥 Key Players

Maria Zakharova MENTIONED
Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry
"She represents Russia's official stance on diplomatic and international issues, particularly regarding nuclear cooperation with Iran."
Behrouz Kamalvandi MENTIONED
Spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
"He communicates Iran's nuclear ambitions and projects, influencing public and international perceptions of Iran's nuclear program."
Ali Akbar Salehi MENTIONED
Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
"He oversees Iran's nuclear energy initiatives and represents Iran in negotiations with Russia and other countries."
Sergey Kirienko MENTIONED
Head of the state-owned Rosatom
"He leads Russia's nuclear energy corporation, which is crucial for nuclear projects in Iran."

📰 What Happened

Russia has denied claims that it will start construction of two nuclear power plants in Iran next week, suggesting that Iranian officials may have misunderstood the information. This follows ongoing collaboration between the two countries on nuclear energy projects.

  • Maria Zakharova stated that the information about the construction start date may have been misinterpreted.
  • Iran and Russia are cooperating on nuclear projects under agreements dating back to 1992 and 2014.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This situation reflects Iran's ambitions to expand its nuclear energy capabilities and its reliance on Russian technology and support.
🌍 Regional: The development of nuclear power in Iran could heighten tensions in the Middle East, particularly with countries wary of Iran's nuclear intentions.
🌐 International: International stakeholders, especially Western nations, are closely monitoring Iran's nuclear program due to concerns over potential military applications.

📚 Background

Iran has been pursuing nuclear energy for decades, with significant involvement from Russia, particularly after the 1979 revolution. The Bushehr plant is a focal point of this cooperation.

Iran's nuclear program Russia-Iran relations
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article reflects official statements from both Iranian and Russian government sources, which may present a biased view aligned with their national interests.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, responded on Thursday, December 24, to reports about the commencement of construction of two nuclear power plants in Iran next week, stating that the Iranians may have misinterpreted the information. Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, had said on Tuesday that Russia would begin construction of two new nuclear power plants in Iran next week. However, according to the Russian news agency Interfax, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said in response to a question on this matter: 'Perhaps the information has been misinterpreted.' Nevertheless, Maria Zakharova mentioned that Russia and Iran are currently cooperating based on the annex of the 1992 contract and the protocol signed in 2014 for the construction of a power plant in Bushehr, with the possibility of expanding it to four units. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not provide a specific date for the start of construction of this power plant. International media reported on November 20 last year that Ali Akbar Salehi and Sergey Kirienko, head of the state-owned Rosatom, signed a contract for the construction of two new nuclear power plants by Russia in Bushehr. According to the Central News Unit, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran stated last November: 'In total, five nuclear power plants will be constructed in Bushehr province, but these plants will be built after the completion of the two plants agreed upon today.' Ali Akbar Salehi also mentioned that Iran intends to produce 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity. The construction of the current Bushehr power plant began before the 1979 revolution, but after the revolution, Iran handed over the construction of this plant to Russia. The construction of this plant took 15 years. The full operation of the Bushehr nuclear power plant has been delayed several times, but according to Iranian officials, the electricity produced by this plant has been connected to the national grid since September 2011 and reached full capacity by September 2012.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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