Iran Strengthens Nuclear Ties With Russia as Leaked Files Suggest Fighter Jet Deal Amid UN Sanctions
Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), speaks at the opening of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 15, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Facing renewed United Nations sanctions and stalled talks with European powers, Iran is turning to Russia to expand nuclear cooperation and bolster its defense capabilities.
On Wednesday, Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), met with Nikolai Spassky, deputy CEO at Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in “peaceful nuclear energy.”
According to Iranian media, Spassky traveled to Tehran to discuss the implementation of two recently signed nuclear agreements with Russia and to explore further opportunities for cooperation in Iran’s nuclear program.
Last month, Iranian and Russian officials signed two major agreements: one to build small modular reactors (SMRs) across Iran, and another to launch a $25 billion project for four large nuclear power units in southern Hormozgan province — marking a significant milestone in their nuclear cooperation.
Eslami described their recent talks as “extensive,” noting that they also addressed other potential areas of collaboration.
“Both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing nuclear cooperation and emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of joint projects,” the Iranian official said.
These latest initiatives are part of a 20-year strategic partnership agreement signed by Tehran and Moscow in January, which includes cooperation in nuclear energy and further strengthens military and broader ties between the two countries.
Earlier this year, Russia pledged to build eight nuclear power plants in Iran, including four in the southern province of Bushehr.
Facing renewed economic sanctions and still reeling from its 12-day war with Israel in June, Tehran is seeking support from its allies to restore and strengthen its defense capabilities.
Based on leaked Russian defense files, recent media reports revealed that Iran signed a €6 billion deal with Moscow to purchase 48 Su-35 fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2028.
These leaked documents outline a phased timeline for the Iranian jets, with shipments of avionics and electronic-warfare systems planned between 2024 and 2026 and full aircraft deliveries expected in the following two years. Neither Tehran nor Moscow has confirmed the reports.
Last month, Iran received Russian MiG-29 fighter jets, while the country also awaits delivery of more advanced Sukhoi Su-35s, emphasizing the regime’s latest push to rebuild its military capabilities.
“Once these systems are fully in place, our enemies will understand the language of power,” Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Committee, told local media.
The Iranian lawmaker also claimed that Tehran is receiving Russia’s S-400 air defense systems “in significant numbers.”
According to the Associated Press, Iran has also started rebuilding several ballistic missile facilities as part of a wider effort to restore its missile program, which was significantly damaged during its war with Israel.
Iran and Russia, along with China, have pledged coordinated action against recently imposed UN sanctions on Tehran, denouncing them as “illegal” after repeated negotiations failed to reach an agreement over the Iranian nuclear program.
Moscow and Beijing, both signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, have backed the Islamist regime in Tehran while firmly opposing Europe’s efforts to reinstate UN sanctions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that the country would withstand any renewed sanctions and continue pursuing its national interests, emphasizing that Tehran would “never bow before aggressors.”
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful civilian purposes. However, Western countries have accused Tehran of seeking the capability to develop nuclear weapons.
