Iran signs landmark gas, nuclear cooperation deal with Russia
The Kremlin has pledged to assist Iran in constructing a new nuclear power plant as the Islamic Republic prepares for a third round of sanctions relief talks with the US
Iran signs landmark gas, nuclear cooperation deal with Russia
The Kremlin has pledged to assist Iran in constructing a new nuclear power plant as the Islamic Republic prepares for a third round of sanctions relief talks with the US
Russia and Iran signed a preliminary agreement on 25 April to deliver up to 55 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Russian natural gas annually to Iran, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership amid sweeping western sanctions.
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The deal, announced during Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad’s visit to Moscow, also includes a $4 billion investment by Russian companies to develop seven Iranian oil fields and Moscow’s commitment to fund the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Iran.
Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev confirmed that initial deliveries of 1.8 bcm are expected to begin this year. These volumes will be transported via existing infrastructure, reportedly through Azerbaijan, according to Kommersant.
Negotiations over pricing are ongoing between energy companies from both countries.
The gas agreement reflects a shift in Russia’s energy strategy. Moscow seeks new markets following a steep decline in gas exports to Europe due to sanctions and infrastructure damage, most notably the Nord Stream 1 pipeline explosion in 2022. A complete delivery of 55 bcm would rival the pipeline’s former capacity.
Despite holding the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves after Russia, Iran has increasingly struggled to meet domestic demand. Years of US sanctions and underinvestment have hampered Iran’s energy infrastructure, forcing the country to import gas from neighbors like Turkmenistan.
Russia and Iran also finalized a bilateral agreement following an intergovernmental commission meeting, though details remain undisclosed. Paknejad expressed optimism that final terms will soon be settled.
This partnership builds on a 20-year strategic cooperation treaty signed in January, covering defense, intelligence, and energy cooperation. It reflects the growing alignment between Moscow and Tehran, both of which face isolation from the west and have sought to deepen bilateral trade and military collaboration.
Iran is currently under pressure to reach a deal over its nuclear program with Washington. US and Israeli officials accuse Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon.
Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes.
The US and Iran are conducting indirect negotiations with the help of Omani mediators.
US President Donald Trump has promised to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached. Iranian officials have said that giving up their nuclear program is off the table.
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