Iran’s nuclear programme is once again at the centre of a growing geopolitical confrontation, as Tehran faces international pressure while deepening nuclear cooperation with Russia.

Iran operates Russian-designed nuclear infrastructure at Bushehr, while further Russian-Iranian nuclear projects are also under development. Iranian officials have described expanding cooperation with Moscow, including work involving nuclear power and radiopharmaceuticals.

At the same time, Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities remain a major concern for the United States and its allies. The heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz has emerged as a particular focus amid the continuing US-Iran conflict.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has also referred Iran to the UN Security Council over its failure to cooperate with a long-running investigation into undeclared uranium traces. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear programme is peaceful.

As Russia deepens its relationship with Tehran, the nuclear question is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider geopolitical contest.

Watch GRAVITAS for a closer look at Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Russia’s expanding role and what this partnership could mean for the future of the region.

Iran's Nuclear Fortress Is Getting Stronger as Russia Expands Its Nuclear Ties | GRAVITAS 

The Iran conflict risks expanding beyond West Asia after Tehran accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the incident as an act of aggression, claiming the strike killed one sailor and injured another, while warning that it would defend its national interests. The accusation comes after Ukraine claimed it carried out long-range strikes against Russian military-linked assets in the Caspian Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces targeted vessels allegedly involved in military cargo shipments and also accused Russia of providing satellite intelligence to Iran to support attacks on U.S. bases and Gulf facilities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he trusted Russia and China not to assist Iran in the conflict but warned that involvement would have serious consequences

Iran War Expands Beyond Red Sea? Tehran Warns Ukraine After Vessel Strike in Caspian Sea 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly told both US and Iranian officials that he supports a nuclear deal that would stop Iran from enriching uranium altogether, according to sources familiar with recent discussions. This marks a major change in Russia’s long-held public position, which has backed Iran’s right to enrich uranium under international law. The shift is said to have come after the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-imagine-if-it-was-biden-trump-ridiculed-for-imagining-he-saw-hegseth-live-on-tv-1752332200465">'Imagine. If. It. Was. Biden': Trump ridiculed for 'imagining' he saw Hegseth live on TV</a><h2>What is Russia telling the US and Iran?</h2>Sources told Axios that Putin shared his view directly with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron during recent phone calls. Russia has also delivered the same message to Iranian leaders on several occasions over the past few weeks.“Putin would support zero enrichment. He encouraged the Iranians to work towards that in order to make negotiations with the Americans more favourable. The Iranians said they won’t consider it,” a European official said.Two sources also claimed that the Kremlin briefed the Israeli government on Putin’s stance. A senior Israeli official confirmed, “We know that this is what Putin told the Iranians.”<h2>Trump eyes nuclear talks, but Iran still says no</h2>The US is reportedly preparing to push for a “zero enrichment” demand if formal nuclear talks resume soon. President Trump has said publicly that he wants a new deal with Tehran, but Iran has always insisted on keeping its right to enrich uranium, even under international supervision. Despite the opposition, Russian officials have continued encouraging Iran to give ground on this issue to make talks with the US easier.<h2>Tensions between Iran and Russia rise quietly</h2>Putin’s position is seen as especially surprising given how closely Iran has worked with Russia during the Ukraine war. Tehran has supplied Moscow with drones and missiles, but Iranian officials were said to be frustrated by Russia’s limited support during the recent Israel conflict.Even so, Russia is believed to have offered to help if a deal is reached. Moscow is willing to remove Iran’s stock of highly enriched uranium and instead supply Iran with lower-grade fuel, 3.67% enriched uranium for power plants, and small amounts of 20% enriched uranium for research purposes.<h2>US and Iran look for new venue to restart talks</h2>Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff has been speaking with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about restarting nuclear negotiations. A possible meeting in Oslo had been under consideration, but both sides now seem hesitant and are looking for a different location to resume talks.

The US is reportedly preparing to push for a “zero enrichment” demand if formal nuclear talks resume soon. President Trump has said publicly that he wants a new deal with Tehran, but Iran has always insisted on keeping its right to enrich uranium.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly told both US and Iranian officials that he supports a nuclear deal that would stop Iran from enriching uranium altogether, according to sources familiar with recent discussions. This marks a major change in Russia’s long-held public position, which has backed Iran’s right to enrich uranium under international law. The shift is said to have come after the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. Also read: 'Imagine. If. It. Was. Biden': Trump ridiculed for 'imagining' he saw Hegseth live on TV What is Russia telling the US and Iran? Sources told Axios that Putin shared his view directly with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron during recent phone calls. Russia has also delivered the same message to Iranian leaders on several occasions over the past few weeks. “Putin would support zero enrichment. He encouraged the Iranians to work towards that in order to make negotiations with the Americans more favourable. The Iranians said they won’t consider it,” a European official said. Two sources also claimed that the Kremlin briefed the Israeli government on Putin’s stance. A senior Israeli official confirmed, “We know that this is what Putin told the Iranians.” Trump eyes nuclear talks, but Iran still says no The US is reportedly preparing to push for a “zero enrichment” demand if formal nuclear talks resume soon. President Trump has said publicly that he wants a new deal with Tehran, but Iran has always insisted on keeping its right to enrich uranium, even under international supervision. Despite the opposition, Russian officials have continued encouraging Iran to give ground on this issue to make talks with the US easier. Tensions between Iran and Russia rise quietly Putin’s position is seen as especially surprising given how closely Iran has worked with Russia during the Ukraine war. Tehran has supplied Moscow with drones and missiles, but Iranian officials were said to be frustrated by Russia’s limited support during the recent Israel conflict. Even so, Russia is believed to have offered to help if a deal is reached. Moscow is willing to remove Iran’s stock of highly enriched uranium and instead supply Iran with lower-grade fuel, 3.67% enriched uranium for power plants, and small amounts of 20% enriched uranium for research purposes. US and Iran look for new venue to restart talks Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff has been speaking with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about restarting nuclear negotiations. A possible meeting in Oslo had been under consideration, but both sides now seem hesitant and are looking for a different location to resume talks.

The US is reportedly preparing to push for a “zero enrichment” demand if formal nuclear talks resume soon. President Trump has said publicly that he wants a new deal with Tehran, but Iran has always insisted on keeping its right to enrich uranium.

Is Russia turning on Iran? Putin secretly backs ‘zero enrichment’ nuclear deal

Russia has nearly completed the required procedures to sign a new bilateral treaty with Iran soon, state news agency TASS quoted top security official Sergei Shoigu as saying on Tuesday.

"We look forward to the imminent conclusion of a new basic interstate treaty. We are completing the internal procedures necessary for the preparation of documents for signing by the presidents," Shoigu said.

Russia has cultivated closer ties with Iran and other states hostile towards the United States, such as North Korea, in the two and a half years since the start of the Ukraine war.

The United States accuses both countries of aiding Russia's war effort, something Moscow denies. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier on Tuesday that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and was likely to use them within weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjE8JzB1riIAxW_p1YBHRfjC3MQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eu-claim-iran-sent-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-moscow-responds-757103" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eu-claim-iran-sent-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-moscow-responds-757103&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjE8JzB1riIAxW_p1YBHRfjC3MQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Ukraine War: Iran supplied missiles to Russia? After US, EU allegations, Moscow issues statement</a>

A senior Iranian official on Monday denied reports that Tehran had supplied Moscow with such missiles.

Russia has said for some time that it intends to sign a major partnership treaty with the Islamic Republic, but Shoigu's statement was the strongest sign yet that such a deal is imminent.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Russia has nearly completed the required procedures to sign a new bilateral treaty with Iran soon, state news agency TASS quoted top security official Sergei Shoigu as saying on Tuesday.

Russia has nearly completed the required procedures to sign a new bilateral treaty with Iran soon, state news agency TASS quoted top security official Sergei Shoigu as saying on Tuesday. "We look forward to the imminent conclusion of a new basic interstate treaty. We are completing the internal procedures necessary for the preparation of documents for signing by the presidents," Shoigu said. Russia has cultivated closer ties with Iran and other states hostile towards the United States, such as North Korea, in the two and a half years since the start of the Ukraine war. The United States accuses both countries of aiding Russia's war effort, something Moscow denies. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier on Tuesday that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and was likely to use them within weeks. Also read: Ukraine War: Iran supplied missiles to Russia? After US, EU allegations, Moscow issues statement A senior Iranian official on Monday denied reports that Tehran had supplied Moscow with such missiles. Russia has said for some time that it intends to sign a major partnership treaty with the Islamic Republic, but Shoigu's statement was the strongest sign yet that such a deal is imminent. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russia, Iran to announce new bilateral treaty soon amid arms supply row

Before the war in Ukraine, relations between Russia and Iran were characterised by many as a marriage of convenience. Here is a timeline decoding Russia-Iran ties.

Russian-Iranian relations improved steadily under Vladimir Putin's presidency