- February 20, 2026
- 9:27 pm
- Middle East
While Iran and the US, through Oman’s mediation, declare their readiness to continue negotiations on the nuclear program, Russia is conducting its own consultations in Tehran. Formally β about energy. In fact β about strategic consolidation in the Iranian nuclear and oil sector.
The visit of Russia’s Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev to the capital of Iran was accompanied by statements about “good news.” Moscow is actively working on the construction of the second and third power units at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. According to him, the equipment has already been ordered and is in production.
Bushehr nuclear power plant and oil projects: energy or politics
New units and old dependencies
The Bushehr nuclear power plant is the only operating nuclear facility in Iran, built with Russia’s participation. The expansion of the station means deepening Tehran’s technological dependence on Moscow.
Simultaneously, Russian companies are involved in the development of seven Iranian oil fields. Four memorandums of cooperation in the energy sector have been signed.
Formally, it is about civilian nuclear energy and economic partnership. But under sanctions and international restrictions, such projects inevitably acquire a geopolitical dimension.
Support for the nuclear program β “within the framework of civilian goals”
Moscow emphasizes that cooperation concerns exclusively peaceful nuclear energy. However, the expansion of nuclear infrastructure enhances the technical potential of a country under constant scrutiny by the IAEA and Western intelligence services.
Support for Tehran amid ongoing negotiations with the US looks like a signal: Russia does not intend to stay out of the future architecture of the nuclear deal.
Uranium, storage, and Russia’s role in the future deal
A separate element of discussion is the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium. It was previously reported that as part of a possible agreement with the US, some nuclear material could be stored on Russian territory.
Tehran publicly rejects this scheme, calling it a violation of sovereignty. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, during consultations in Oman, the Iranian side hinted that it is ready to consider such an option as a compromise.
If Russia becomes the custodian of Iranian nuclear material, it automatically secures its role as a mandatory participant in any further negotiations. Such a step turns Moscow into a guarantor, not just an observer of the process.
Geopolitical calculation and the West’s position
For Russia, participation in the nuclear configuration around Iran is a way to regain diplomatic influence in the Middle East. It is also a tool of pressure in the broader context of relations with the West.
While the US and Iran, through Oman’s mediation, discuss the “guiding principles” of a possible agreement, Moscow is increasing its presence in Tehran through long-term energy contracts.
In this context, Israel News | Nikk.Agency notes: if Russia gains the status of custodian of Iranian uranium and simultaneously builds new power units in Bushehr, it effectively becomes a structural part of the future agreement.
For Israel, this configuration has direct significance. The strengthening of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and Russia’s involvement in the nuclear cycle change the balance of regional security.
Negotiations in Oman may continue. But parallel negotiations in Tehran are already forming an alternative reality where Moscow secures its place at the table before the document is signed.
The West is still discussing the parameters of a possible deal. Russia is laying the infrastructure for its future.
