September 22: Iran’s atomic energy chief, Mohammad Eslami, arrived in Moscow to sign agreements on nuclear cooperation, including plans to build eight new power plants as Tehran aims for 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2040, Iranian media reported. Currently, Iran has only one operational plant in Bushehr with a 1 GW capacity.
The visit comes as the UN considers reimposing sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program. Last Friday, the 15-member Security Council rejected a Russian- and Chinese-backed draft to lift sanctions permanently, while Britain, France, and Germany push to reinstate them, citing Tehran’s alleged violations of the 2015 nuclear deal.
The European nations have proposed delaying sanctions for up to six months if Iran grants UN inspectors access, addresses enriched uranium concerns, and engages with the U.S. A Security Council resolution would be needed to approve any delay; otherwise, all UN sanctions could return after September 27.
