Nuclear Power in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Russia and Iran Deepen Nuclear Cooperation
At the beginning of this month, Russia pledged to help China expand its nuclear energy sector and surpass the United States as the largest producer of nuclear energy. Now, Moscow is deepening its relationship with Tehran. Despite international pressure, Russia continues to support Iran's civilian nuclear energy sector. Recently, Rosatom, the Russian state atomic energy corporation, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization to cooperate on the construction of small modular reactors. The agreement plans to build eight new nuclear power plants, aiming to increase nuclear capacity to 20 gigawatts (GWe) by 2040.
The agreement aims to establish a partnership to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy, energy security, and technological advancement. However, Western countries remain vigilant about Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Although the attacks by the United States and Israel in June aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities, an American intelligence report assessed that these attacks might only delay Iran's nuclear program for a few months. In addition, Israel announced that it had killed several key Iranian nuclear scientists - an action intended to slow technological progress.
Even with these setbacks, Iran still retains significant institutional knowledge accumulated since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was effectively terminated. Strengthened cooperation between Tehran and Moscow not only enhances Iran's energy ambitions but also escalates tensions in nuclear proliferation, regional security, and global energy competition.
Source: The National Interest
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844387048629323/
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