RT reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for the construction of a gas pipeline to Iran, capable of supplying up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually to the Islamic Republic, equal to the capacity of the Nord Stream gas pipeline to Europe.
Speaking to the press after talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17, Mr. Putin acknowledged the challenges, but emphasized that the project is underway.
The pipeline project is part of a broader strategic deal between Russia and Iran, signed on the same day, along with a memorandum of understanding between Russian oil and gas giant Gazprom and the National Gas Company of Iran in June 2024 to promote gas supplies from Russia to Iran.
"There are always difficulties in coordination, pricing, technical problems... but the work is still progressing. The project is being implemented, Putin said in response to reporters' questions about the pipeline.
Regarding potential supply, we believe we need to start with a small volume, about 2 billion cubic meters, but in the future it could reach 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year, he added.
The pipeline will pass through Azerbaijan, with a determined route, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev. He said Moscow and Tehran are finalizing details such as prices for future supply.
Although Iran produces about 270 billion cubic meters of gas per year and has the world's second largest gas reserves after Russia, the country is facing a domestic energy shortage due to high consumption and lack of investment, partly due to US sanctions. With a population of about 89 million people, Iran is among the countries with the highest domestic gas users in the world.
The pipeline project is in line with Tehran's plan to establish an international gas hub in coordination with Russia, Qatar and Turkmenistan, which was announced in 2023. Under the agreement with Gazprom, Iran will be able to re-export excess gas imports to other countries, expected to bring the country about 10-12 billion USD per year.
At the press conference, Mr. Putin also emphasized the potential for cooperation with Iran in the oil sector and a nuclear power project under development.
Also on January 17, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The treaty not only strengthens energy cooperation but also expands to the fields of security, economy, maritime and humanitarian.
Farhad Ibrahimov, Middle East expert at the Valdai Discussation Club, commented: This is a historic deal. Russia and Iran have reached a new level of cooperation.
According to him, both countries consider each other as strategic partners. Iran has always considered Russia an important ally, even the key to shaping a new international order, Mr. Ibrahimov emphasized.
Although the deal is strategic, both Moscow and Tehran have affirmed that it is not aimed at opposing any country. Russia and Iran will not provide military or any form of assistance to the aggressing party if one of them is attacked, the treaty, published on the Kremlins website, said.
