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 reporters after talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17, Putin acknowledged the challenges, but stressed the project was progressing.
The pipeline project is part of a broader strategic agreement between Russia and Iran, signed on the same day, January 17, along with a memorandum of understanding between Russian oil giant Gazprom and the National Iranian Gas Company in June 2024 to boost gas supplies from Russia to Iran.
“There are always difficulties with coordination, pricing, technical issues… but the work is progressing. The project is being implemented,” Putin said, answering a reporter’s question about the pipeline.
“Regarding the potential supply volume, we believe that it is necessary to start with a small volume, about 2 billion cubic meters, but in the future it can reach 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year,” he added.
The pipeline will pass through Azerbaijan, with the route already determined, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev said, adding that Moscow and Tehran are finalizing details such as pricing for future supplies.
Although Iran produces about 270 billion cubic meters of gas a year and has the world's second-largest gas reserves after Russia, the country is facing domestic energy shortages due to high consumption and lack of investment, partly due to US sanctions. With a population of about 89 million, Iran is among the world's highest domestic gas users.
The pipeline project fits into Tehran's plan to set up an international gas hub with Russia, Qatar and Turkmenistan, announced in 2023. Under the deal with Gazprom, Iran will be able to re-export excess imported gas to other countries, which is expected to bring in around $10-12 billion a year for the country.
At the press conference, Mr. Putin also emphasized the potential for cooperation with Iran in the oil sector and a nuclear energy project that is being implemented.
Also on January 17, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. The agreement not only strengthens energy cooperation but also extends to security, economic, maritime and humanitarian areas.
“This is a historic agreement. Russia and Iran have reached a new level of cooperation,” said Farhad Ibrahimov, a Middle East expert at the Valdai Discussion Club.
According to him, both countries consider each other as strategic partners. “Iran has always considered Russia an important ally, even the key to shaping the new international order,” Mr. Ibrahimov emphasized.
Despite the strategic nature of the agreement, both Moscow and Tehran insist it is not directed against any country. “Russia and Iran will not provide military or any other support to the aggressor if one of them is attacked,” the text of the pact published on the Kremlin’s website states.
