The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, who also serves as the country's vice president, has arrived in Moscow for high-level discussions. According to Russia's state-run RIA news agency, the Iranian embassy confirmed the visit on Monday, though details of Eslami's meeting schedule have not been disclosed.His trip comes at a critical moment for Tehran, following renewed tensions surrounding the 2015 nuclear deal. Last month, Britain, France, and Germany – collectively known as the E3 – triggered a 30-day process to reimpose sanctions on Iran, citing non-compliance with the agreement's terms. This move effectively halted a push at the UN Security Council to permanently lift sanctions.
The landmark 2015 deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief. Western powers argue that Tehran has breached key commitments, while Iran maintains that its nuclear activities remain strictly peaceful.
Russia, a signatory to the JCPOA, has reiterated its backing of Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy. Moscow's support underscores the broader geopolitical divide over how to address Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The Kremlin continues to push for dialogue over confrontation, positioning itself as a strategic partner for Iran at a time of heightened Western pressure.
In response to the Security Council's latest decision, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced on Saturday that the country will suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This suspension significantly complicates international monitoring of Iran's nuclear programme.
Through a statement released by state-run Press TV, Iranian officials sharply criticized the E3, describing their approach as "ill-considered" and politically motivated. Tehran insists that its nuclear programme is not geared toward weaponization, but rather serves energy and research needs.
The Moscow visit therefore marks an attempt by Iran to reinforce alliances and navigate mounting diplomatic isolation. As sanctions pressure intensifies, Tehran's cooperation with Russia could play a decisive role in shaping the future of nuclear negotiations.
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