Russian Help Sought For Nuclear Program, Says U.S. Intel

U.S. intelligence officials say that Iran is seeking Russian aid for its nuclear program, reports CNN.

Iran has solicited Russian help in acquiring nuclear material and producing nuclear fuel, unnamed sources familiar with the matter told the news channel.

Such materials could power nuclear reactors and move Tehran closer to the production of a nuclear weapon.

The risk of proliferation is dependent on what reactor used the fuel and material, the sources said.

Russia has historically opposed Iran’s nuclear program. However, bilateral relations have improved in recent months, while ties with the West have collapsed following Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February.

Tehran has supplied hundreds of combat drones to Russia, while Moscow may have provided advice on cracking down on ongoing protests in Iran, said U.S. officials.

The move appears to be partly driven by a belief among senior Iranian officials that a multilateral nuclear deal is unlikely to be reached, or if it is will not last long, the officials said.