The head of Iran’s nuclear program is expected on November 11 to finalize a deal with Russia to build two nuclear power plants.

Ali Akbar Salehi is due to sign the agreement during a scheduled visit to Moscow.

According to Iranian media reports, the two nuclear plants would be built by Russia near Iran’s only existing nuclear power plant at Bushehr.

Iran has said it plans to build 20 nuclear power plants in a bid to ease its dependency on oil and gas.

In September, Iran and Russia signed a series of trade and investment deals, including a protocol to create a power network linking the two countries.

The visit comes as Iran and six world powers face a November 24 deadline to reach a deal to ease Western concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iran denies Western charges it is secretly developing nuclear weapons.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
RFE/RL