Iran and Russia Deepen Energy and Economic Ties in New Cooperation Agreements

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russia’s Energy Minister, Sergey Tsvilyov, has emphasized the broad expansion of cooperation between Iran and Russia in all fields. He highlighted that the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed in January 2025 and ratified later that year has elevated bilateral exchanges to unprecedented levels.

These interactions are manifesting through various channels, including joint commissions, people-to-people exchanges, and continuous official visits. Tsvilyov’s recent trip to Tehran, during which he participated in the 19th session of the Iran-Russia Permanent Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, exemplifies this commitment. The session concluded with the signing of four memoranda of understanding, yielding substantial outcomes for both nations.

Prior to the commission meeting, Tsvilyov held a meeting with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, conveying greetings from the Russian President. Discussions covered a wide array of economic and trade cooperation issues, with Larijani underscoring his profound understanding of these aspects.

In the energy sector, both countries are actively exploring a gas transfer project via the Republic of Azerbaijan, with negotiations in their final stages. Concurrently, a joint project for building a nuclear power plant in Iran is being pursued with determination, despite external pressures and sanctions. Training Iranian nuclear specialists for independent plant operation is also a priority, alongside expanding cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy.

Regarding transportation, the North-South Corridor is being developed as a crucial transit and energy route. The Rasht-Astara railway agreement, a key component of this corridor, is slated to commence implementation on April 1st, following the completion of legal prerequisites.

Active discussions are underway to transition from dollar-denominated transactions to a stable, non-dollar financial and banking system. Both nations are seeking to utilize their national currencies in bilateral trade, a trend observed globally as numerous countries move away from reliance on the U.S. dollar in their transactions.

Opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, particularly in solar battery technology, are being explored, with significant joint projects anticipated in the future. Iran and Russia continue their cooperation within international organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with both countries advocating for the principle of energy equity.