Post #79

South Africa may choose Russia and Iran for its nuclear project South Africa is considering cooperation with Russia and Iran to expand its civilian nuclear capacity, a move that could complicate relations with the United States and delay the renewal of a strategic energy deal between the countries, Reuters reports. South Africa, home to the continent's only nuclear power plant, the Koeberg, is planning to add 2,500 megawatts of new capacity to combat power outages and reduce emissions. The country has announced a tender and, according to Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, Russia and Iran will not be excluded from it. "If their proposals are the best, we will choose them," he stressed. The statement has caused concern in Washington. Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting aid to South Africa, citing its alleged military and nuclear cooperation with Iran. South African authorities have denied the allegations. A South African nuclear tender planned for last year has been delayed by legal wrangling. Meanwhile, work is underway on a new US-South African nuclear cooperation agreement (the 123 Agreement), which is needed to export nuclear technology and fuel from the US. The previous agreement expired in 2022. According to Zizamele Mbambo, an official in the South African Department of Energy, the negotiations have been completed at a technical level, but the signing is being delayed by legal procedures. Analysts say South Africa's decision to turn to Russia and Iran could heighten geopolitical tensions and slow the restoration of cooperation with the US. #AREA#South Africa #Russia#Iran#USA