President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that removes the restrictions on the nuclear cooperation of Russia with Iran on Monday. Putin’s action came after Iran signed a nuclear deal with Western Powers in July.
Under the decree, Russia and Iran will expand its cooperation on implementing different nuclear projects. Russian companies will now be able to supply Iran with uranium-enrichment equipment, technology, and other related materials.
Moscow will support Tehran’s effort to export more than 300 kilograms of enriched uranium in exchange for raw uranium supplies. The decree also allows Russian companies help Iran modify the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) and redesign its Arak heavy water reactor.
Iran and the E3/EU+3 countries signed the official document regarding the Arak heavy water reactor modernization project.
Earlier this month, the Russian government announced its agreement to deliver S-300 surface to air missile systems to the Iranian government. In April, Moscow lifted its self-imposed ban on the sales of weapons system to Tehran.
Russia, Iran made progress in rebuilding FFEP
On Friday, Rosatom announced that Russia and Iran made progress in rebuilding the FFEP to produce stable isotopes.
“Questions of implementing a joint comprehensive plan of action was discussed in detail, as provided for by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231. We looked into approaches to restructuring the Fordo site for stable isotope production. Signs of real progress were evident,” said Rosatom.
The International Atomic Energy Agency will be inspecting Iran’s compliance with the nuclear agreement, which allowed the rebuilding of FFEP for its peaceful use of nuclear energy. Tehran’s nuclear program is subject to inspection, which serves as the basis for the United Nations, United States, and the European to lift sanctions.
Iran agreed to reduce its nuclear program significantly, thus preventing the country from developing the nuclear weapons easily. The Iranian government will cut the number of its centrifuges by two-thirds. The Islamic Republic expects most of the sanctions to be removed by the end of this year.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov previously stated that the removal of sanctions against Iran would allow the Islamic Republic to join the Shanghai Cooperation Agreement (SCO).
Putin to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Pres. Putin is visiting Iran to attend the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). He is scheduled to meet the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushahov said, “It is expected that during the talks, the sides will exchange views on a whole range of issues of bilateral cooperation: trade and investment cooperation, nuclear energy, oil and gas, military-technical cooperation.”
Ushanov added that the Putin, Ali Khamenei, and Rouhani would also discuss issues involving the conflict in Syria, the comprehensive action plan on Iran’s nuclear program, and the global fight against terrorists particularly ISIL.
Rouhani recently stated that the partnership between Moscow and Tehran in the fight against ISIl is important citing the fact that the jihadist group poses a threat to the entire region and others including the European Union.
In September, Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria established the Baghdad Information Center to coordinate military actions against ISIL.
