Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has intensified efforts to expand nuclear energy cooperation with Muslim-majority countries, as evidenced by recent high-level talks with Malaysia and ongoing partnerships with nations like Iran. On June 27, 2025, Rosatom announced deepened collaboration with Malaysia, focusing on innovative floating nuclear power plants (NPPs) and other advanced technologies, following discussions between Rosatom CEO Aleksey Likhachev and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof. This move mirrors Russia’s long-standing nuclear engagements with Iran, particularly the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant project.
Geopolitical Strategy: Countering Western Influence
Russia’s nuclear outreach to Muslim-majority countries, such as Malaysia and Iran, is a cornerstone of its strategy to counter Western dominance and expand its influence in the Global South. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has leveraged its nuclear expertise to build strategic partnerships, particularly with nations wary of Western sanctions or political pressure.
Strengthening Ties with the Muslim World
Muslim-majority countries, spanning the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, represent a significant bloc in international forums like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). By offering nuclear technology, Russia positions itself as a reliable partner, fostering political goodwill and securing allies in regions critical to global trade and energy routes. For instance, Malaysia’s interest in floating NPPs aligns with Russia’s aim to deepen ties with ASEAN nations, enhancing its presence in Southeast Asia’s energy markets.
Iran as a Strategic Ally
Russia’s nuclear cooperation with Iran, dating back to the 1992 agreement to complete the Bushehr reactor, is a prime example of this strategy. Despite U.S. objections, Russia has maintained its role as Iran’s primary nuclear partner, supplying low-enriched uranium and managing spent fuel. The January 2025 strategic partnership treaty with Iran further underscores Moscow’s commitment to this alliance, driven by shared resistance to Western sanctions and a mutual interest in challenging U.S. hegemony in the Middle East. Recent posts on X highlight Russia’s role in enabling Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with over 200 Russian specialists reportedly involved in building additional reactors at Bushehr.
Balancing Regional Powers
Russia’s nuclear diplomacy also serves to balance relations with rival powers in the Muslim world, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. While cooperating with Iran, Russia has explored nuclear deals with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, ensuring it remains a neutral player in intra-regional rivalries. This approach enhances Moscow’s leverage as a mediator in conflicts and a key partner in energy development.
Economic Incentives: Rosatom’s Global Ambitions
Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear giant, is a major driver of Russia’s nuclear outreach, with economic motives at its core. The global nuclear energy market is projected to grow significantly, with the International Energy Agency estimating a need for 1,000 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity by 2050 to meet climate goals. Muslim-majority countries, with their growing energy demands and limited domestic nuclear expertise, are lucrative markets for Rosatom.
Malaysia’s Emerging Market
The recent Malaysia-Russia agreement highlights Rosatom’s tailored approach to emerging economies. Malaysia’s interest in 100 MW floating NPPs, which can be built in Russia and delivered operational, reflects a demand for scalable, cost-effective energy solutions. These plants suit Malaysia’s coastal geography and energy transition goals, as articulated by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who emphasized sustainability and innovation during his visit to the Leningrad NPP and Moscow’s ATOM Pavilion. Rosatom’s ability to offer turnkey solutions, including training and fuel supply, makes it an attractive partner for countries like Malaysia, which lack indigenous nuclear capabilities.
Iran’s Long-Term Partnership
In Iran, Rosatom’s involvement in Bushehr has generated significant revenue, with the initial $800 million contract in 1995 followed by plans for additional reactors. Despite delays due to sanctions, Iran’s $500 million debt reduction to Russia in 2023 facilitated progress on Bushehr 2 and potential projects in Sirik and Karun. These deals provide Rosatom with long-term contracts and a foothold in the Middle East, where few competitors can operate under Western sanctions.
Economic Resilience Amid Sanctions
Russia’s nuclear exports are a critical lifeline for its economy, especially as Western sanctions since 2022 have curtailed its fossil fuel revenues. Unlike oil and gas, Rosatom’s nuclear activities have largely evaded sanctions, allowing Russia to maintain a high-value export sector. The company’s global portfolio, including projects in Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh, underscores its role in sustaining Russia’s economic resilience.
Technological Leadership and Soft Power
Russia’s nuclear cooperation is not just about economics—it’s a tool for projecting technological leadership and soft power. Rosatom’s advanced technologies, such as floating NPPs and VVER reactors, showcase Russia’s engineering prowess, appealing to developing nations seeking modern energy solutions.
Floating NPPs: A Game-Changer
Malaysia’s interest in floating NPPs, as noted by Likhachev, highlights Russia’s innovative edge. These compact, mobile plants can be deployed in remote or coastal areas, offering flexibility for countries with limited infrastructure. By exporting such technologies, Russia positions itself as a leader in next-generation nuclear energy, enhancing its global reputation.
Educational and Cultural Exchange
Russia’s nuclear partnerships often include training programs and knowledge transfer, as seen in Malaysia’s delegation visit to the ATOM Pavilion and Iran’s training of AEOI personnel. These initiatives build long-term ties, fostering goodwill and creating a cadre of professionals in partner countries who are familiar with Russian systems. Fadillah’s praise for the ATOM Павильон as a hub of “historical awareness” and innovation underscores this soft power impact.
Security and Strategic Considerations
Russia’s nuclear cooperation with Muslim-majority countries also has security dimensions, particularly in its partnership with Iran, which has raised concerns about proliferation risks.
Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
Russia’s support for Iran’s civilian nuclear program, including the Bushehr reactor and potential enrichment technology, has long been contentious. In 1995, Russia offered Iran a gas centrifuge enrichment plant and research reactors, which the U.S. feared could aid a weapons program. While Russia scaled back these offers under U.S. pressure, recent reports suggest continued assistance, with some Western sources alleging Russian expertise in nuclear fuel fabrication. The January 2025 strategic partnership treaty, lacking a mutual defense clause, indicates Russia’s cautious approach, balancing support for Iran with avoiding direct entanglement in Middle Eastern conflicts.
Non-Proliferation Concerns
Russia maintains that its nuclear cooperation adheres to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) guidelines, arguing that Iran, as an NPT signatory, is entitled to civilian nuclear technology. However, the Kremlin’s reluctance to see Iran cross the nuclear weapons threshold reflects strategic calculations. A nuclear-armed Iran could reduce Russia’s leverage over Tehran and destabilize the region, affecting Moscow’s relations with Israel and Gulf states. Posts on X echo this sentiment, suggesting Russia prefers Iran as a buffer state without nuclear weapons to avoid empowering potential threats like Islamic terrorist groups.
Future Perspectives:
Looking ahead, Russia’s nuclear cooperation with Muslim-majority countries is poised to expand, driven by mutual interests but tempered by global tensions.
Expanding Markets
Rosatom’s engagements with Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt signal a broader push into Muslim-majority markets. By 2030, Rosatom aims to secure 20% of the global nuclear reactor market, with projects in the Middle East and Southeast Asia as key growth areas. Malaysia’s adoption of floating NPPs could inspire similar deals with Indonesia or Bangladesh, both seeking sustainable energy solutions.
Iran and Regional Stability
Russia’s role in Iran’s nuclear program will remain a flashpoint. The collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan) have heightened tensions. Russia’s offer to mediate U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, as noted by Putin in June 2025, reflects its desire to maintain influence without endorsing Iran’s weaponization. Future cooperation may hinge on sanctions relief, which could accelerate Bushehr 2 and other projects, but Russia’s cautious stance suggests it will prioritize economic gains over enabling a nuclear-armed Iran.
Challenges from Western Pressure
Western sanctions and geopolitical rivalries pose challenges. The U.S. has historically pressured Russia to limit nuclear transfers to Iran, as seen in the 1995 Gore-Chernomyrdin agreement. Similar pressures could emerge with Malaysia if Western allies view floating NPPs as a proliferation risk. Russia’s ability to navigate these pressures while maintaining its nuclear export market will be critical.
Climate and Energy Transition
The global push for net-zero emissions by 2050 aligns with Russia’s nuclear offerings. Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia, facing rising energy demands and climate commitments, see nuclear energy as a low-carbon solution. Russia’s expertise in small modular reactors and floating NPPs positions it to meet these needs, potentially outpacing Western competitors constrained by stricter export controls.
Nuclear cooperation
Russia’s enthusiasm for nuclear cooperation with Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia and Iran stems from a blend of geopolitical strategy, economic ambition, and technological leadership. By offering advanced nuclear solutions, Rosatom strengthens Russia’s global influence, counters Western sanctions, and taps into lucrative markets. However, security concerns, particularly with Iran, and Western pressures present ongoing challenges. Looking to 2030 and beyond, Russia’s nuclear diplomacy will likely expand, reshaping energy landscapes in the Muslim world while navigating the delicate balance of power and proliferation risks. As Malaysia embraces floating NPPs and Iran seeks to advance its nuclear program, Russia’s role as a key partner will continue to shape global energy and geopolitical dynamics.
