Azerbaijan and Ukraine sign cooperation agreements spanning 14 sectors
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Iran and Russia discuss gas pipelines, railway and regional security
An Iranian security official delivered a private message to Vladimir Putin as the two sides discussed energy shortages and bilateral infrastructure projects.
Iran’s top security official delivered a personal message from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin during talks in Moscow that covered regional security, gas pipelines and transport infrastructure. The meeting had not been announced beforehand.
Rezaei, the Iranian official, said the proposed pipelines would help Iran meet domestic gas shortages and enable Russian gas to be sold to neighboring countries. Despite being a major natural gas producer, Iran has faced persistent shortages that worsened after the war began in late February.
Rezaei also said Iran’s Supreme National Security Council had approved an agreement to build the Rasht–Astara railway with Russian participation. He said the country’s roads and urban development minister would sign the contract soon.
The railway segment, measuring just over 160 kilometers, would complete the western route of the International North-South Transport Corridor. The corridor is intended to connect Russia directly with Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf.
Media reports said Russia had completed preparations for a $1 billion loan to Iran, but disbursement had been delayed. The amount was described as the first installment of a planned $20 billion loan. Some experts linked the delay to stalled work on the railway.
Khamenei’s message was not disclosed publicly, according to a media report. Following the meeting, Russia’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens to avoid Iran and the Middle East because of the risk of renewed war.