Russia Confirms $5b Investment in Iran’s Gas Sector

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the embassy’s report, participants in the meeting included Vladimir Sazhin, senior researcher; Nina Mamadova, head of Iran studies; and experts Irina Fyodorova and Anastasia Abukhova from the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Professors Arabajan and Lana Ravandi also joined the exchange, which focused on cultural, economic, and political issues.

Jalali emphasized Russia’s growing role in Iran’s energy sector, especially in gas field development, stating, “In 2024, Russia became Iran’s largest foreign investor.”

Highlighting recent progress in Iran-Russia relations, Jalali noted that a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two nations has been signed. Additionally, a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has come into effect. These developments have elevated bilateral ties to a strategic level, with regular high-level exchanges expected to continue—including an imminent visit to Tehran by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Among other updates, Jalali revealed that 50,000 hectares of land have been acquired to advance the Rasht-Astara railway project, a crucial section of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This land will be transferred to Russia to begin geological studies.

He also mentioned progress in financial cooperation, stating that Iran’s “Shetab” and Russia’s “Mir” banking networks are now connected. This allows for transactions by Iranian students in Russia, tourists, and small-scale traders, with further integration planned.

Jalali described Iranologists as vital assets in bilateral relations, asserting that understanding between the peoples of both countries is essential for strengthening ties.

Marking the 36th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Jalali cited recent remarks by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling Khomeini a transformative figure both inside Iran and globally. Referring to Khomeini’s famous letter to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Jalali highlighted the late leader’s deep insights and prescient critique of both capitalist and communist systems.

“This letter reflected his unique interest in Russia and Eurasia,” Jalali said, noting that such outreach to Soviet leadership was rare in global diplomatic norms.

He added that today’s Russian leadership appears increasingly aligned with Khomeini’s vision, especially in opposition to Western monopolistic behavior, which Jalali cited as a root of both countries’ friction with the West—particularly over Iran’s nuclear rights.

Responding to questions about indirect talks with the United States, Jalali stressed that Iran is firm in defending its right to enrich uranium. “If the Americans insist on removing this right, the negotiations will stall,” he warned. “But if they accept this right, progress can be made over time.”

Ali Mohaqqeq, research counselor at the Iranian embassy, called for a reevaluation of archival documents from the October Revolution through the formation of the Soviet Union, noting their historical significance.

Vladimir Sazhin recalled his experience witnessing the funeral of Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran, describing it as a monumental moment. “I saw millions of mourning Iranians dressed in black. It seemed as though the entire nation had gathered in the capital.”

Sazhin criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Iran’s nuclear program, particularly his demand for zero enrichment, calling it a strategic misstep.

Nina Mamadova, head of Iran studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies, stated, “Regardless of politics, Iran itself is what matters to us as scholars of the country.”

Throughout the session, the Russian Iranologists posed various questions and suggestions related to cultural and economic cooperation, all of which were addressed by Ambassador Jalali.