Russia to Build Eight Nuclear Reactors in Iran Amid Rising Tensions with West
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – Iran has announced a major expansion of its civilian nuclear program through a new agreement with Russia to build eight nuclear power plants, including four in the southern coastal province of Bushehr, home to the country’s only operational reactor.
The deal was revealed Monday by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), during a parliamentary delegation’s visit to AEOI facilities. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, confirmed that the remaining four reactors will be constructed in other parts of the country.
The announcement was carried by both Iranian state media (IRNA) and Israeli National News, signaling what Tehran calls a strategic push toward energy security. Eslami added that Units 2 and 3 at the existing Bushehr plant are already under construction by Iranian companies, separate from the new Russian-funded initiative.
The Bushehr plant, launched in 2011 with Russian assistance, marked the beginning of Iran’s publicly acknowledged nuclear power generation. A second phase of construction began in 2019, and additional nuclear projects are underway across the country, including the 300-megawatt Karoon plant in the southwest, which began construction in 2022.
This announcement comes just as Western powers are lobbying the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to censure Iran for noncompliance with nuclear inspections. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi warned Monday that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile now exceeds 400 kilograms at 60% purity, far above the 3.67% cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal and nearing weapons-grade levels.
Grossi also disclosed that undeclared nuclear material was found at three sites, with signs of attempted cover-ups. The developments raise fears of a potential “snapback” of UN sanctions if no agreement is reached with Washington.
President Donald Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his first term, responded sharply to the latest developments, warning, “The window to stop Iran is closing fast. If they get the bomb, the world changes overnight–and not for the better.” Trump reiterated his stance that only maximum pressure–not diplomacy–can deter the regime in Tehran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s warning in remarks from Jerusalem: “We are witnessing the final moments before Iran becomes a nuclear threshold state. The international community must act decisively. Words are no longer enough–this is a test of will.”
While Iran maintains its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, the rapid growth of its nuclear infrastructure–and deepening ties with Russia–have heightened regional and global concerns.
IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?
While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.
Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).
The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.
Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.
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