Iran and Russia have agreed to deepen their cooperation in nuclear energy, focusing on building small modular reactors (SMRs) in Iran. The talks, held in Tehran between Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization head Mohammad Eslami and Rosatom’s Deputy CEO Nikolai Spassky, followed an earlier meeting in Moscow where both nations signed an MoU for constructing small nuclear power plants.

The two countries—both under Western sanctions—also signed a separate agreement to collaborate on Iran’s Hormoz Nuclear Power Plant Project, which includes plans for four 1,250-megawatt reactors. This growing partnership extends beyond nuclear energy, as Russian firms are also helping develop Iranian oilfields and explore the creation of a gas hub.

The move comes as Iran remains defiant amid renewed UN sanctions, insisting its oil exports to China will continue despite global restrictions.