In August 2024, Iranian nuclear scientists associated with the nuclear weapons program visited Russian research institutes. This was reported by the British newspaper Financial Times, citing letters and travel documents of scientists that allegedly fell into their possession.
According to Western journalists, the Iranians were interested in dual-use technology used for testing nuclear bombs. In addition, through an intermediary, they discussed the purchase in Russia of an isotope to create more powerful nuclear charges.
According to the Financial Times, the delegation of five people was headed by 43-year-old nuclear scientist Ali Kalvand. American officials believe that he works at Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
Kalvanda was accompanied by representatives of Iranian military counterintelligence and DamavandTec. The company is under US sanctions for assisting in procurement for SPND.
In June 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev stated that Russia does not plan to transfer nuclear weapons to Iran. He also recalled that the country had signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
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