Iran signed an agreement with Russia to obtain as many as eight new reactors, as world powers struggle to reach an accord capping the Islamic Republics nuclear program.
The deal was signed in Moscow yesterday by Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Irans Atomic Energy Organization, and Sergei Kiriyenko, the chief executive of Rosatom Corp. It calls for Russia to expand the existing Bushehr plant with two new reactors and an option for two more there and four elsewhere, according to Rosatom. Further details werent immediately available.
The announcement of the deal, which shows Iranian planning for an expanded nuclear industry, came as the latest talks between U.S., European and Iranian diplomats in Oman were wrapping up without any progress being reported. Negotiators have set a target of reaching a final accord by Nov. 24 that will set limits on Irans nuclear program, and ease the international sanctions that have squeezed its economy.
Russia is one of the six world powers engaged in the talks with Iran. Its relations with the U.S. and European Union have soured in recent months over Russian support for separatists in Ukraine, raising concerns that it may become harder to preserve unity among Irans interlocutors.
Sergei Kiriyenko, chief executive officer of Rosatom Corp. Close
Sergei Kiriyenko, chief executive officer of Rosatom Corp.
Close
Sergei Kiriyenko, chief executive officer of Rosatom Corp.
A concluding round of talks at the foreign-minister level is scheduled to start on Nov. 18 in Vienna. The process will be set back another two years if a final deal isnt reached by the Nov. 24 deadline, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said yesterday.
Its too early to say what yesterdays accord with Rosatom will mean in practice, according to Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington.
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Iran Signs Russia Reactor Deal as Nuclear Talks Falter