By: Express Web DeskNew Delhi | September 22, 2025 08:54 PM IST 2 min readHead of Iran's atomic energy department Mohammad Eslami waves to media at the conclusion of his joint press conference with International Atomic Energy Organization, IAEA, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, left, after their meeting in the central city of Isfahan, Iran. (AP)The head of Iran’s atomic energy program, Mohammad Eslami, arrived in Moscow on Monday for talks, Iranian state media reported, as the UN Security Council debates whether to reimpose sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.His visit comes just days after the 15-member Council rejected a draft resolution, backed by Russia and China, that sought to permanently lift sanctions on Iran. Britain, France, and Germany opposed the measure, arguing Tehran has failed to comply with the 2015 nuclear accord designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its program is peaceful, and Russia has voiced support for Tehran’s right to civilian nuclear energy.Eslami, who also serves as Iran’s vice president, said his trip would include the signing of bilateral agreements with Russia, including plans to construct eight new nuclear power plants. Tehran aims to expand its nuclear energy capacity to 20 GW by 2040.“Contract negotiations have taken place, and with the signing of the agreement this week, we will enter the operational steps,” Eslami told Iranian state media.At present, Iran operates only one nuclear power plant — the Russian-built Bushehr facility in the south — with a capacity of around 1 GW. Chronic electricity shortages have fueled Tehran’s push for greater nuclear power generation.Meanwhile, Britain, France, and Germany have offered to delay the reinstatement of UN sanctions for up to six months to allow space for renewed negotiations. Their conditions include restoring access for UN inspectors, addressing concerns over enriched uranium stockpiles, and engaging in talks with the United States.Any postponement would require a new Security Council resolution. If no agreement is reached by September 27, all UN sanctions on Iran will automatically be reimposed.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Iran nuclear agreementUnited Nations