Saeid Tavakoli said Thursday that cooperation with Russia and members of the Eurasian Economic Union is a key step toward establishing Iran as a regional energy hub. 

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Tavakoli noted that under the Seventh Development Plan, the National Iranian Gas Company is tasked with positioning Iran as a regional energy hub. 

"One of the most important steps in this direction is cooperation with Russia, which, as one of the world’s largest producers and holders of natural gas reserves, plays a pivotal role in regional energy dynamics," he said. 

Tavakoli added that negotiations and necessary measures in this regard have already begun, with significant progress made under a previously signed memorandum of understanding with Russia. 

"If the remaining issues are resolved, our country—particularly in its northern regions, where gas production is lowest—can connect to Russian gas resources and benefit from them," he said. 

While acknowledging the need for further detailed assessments, Tavakoli said the agreements reached so far have been highly effective in facilitating progress. 

Expanding cooperation with EAEU members 

Tavakoli also highlighted growing cooperation with members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), stating that many neighboring countries in the bloc are eager to expand energy ties with Iran. 

"Good collaborations have already begun, some of which have yielded practical results," he said. 

Referring to the Seventh Development Plan’s focus on regional energy trade, he noted that Iran’s cooperation with Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries—particularly through regional engagement—could play a key role in energy exchange. 

"Seventy-three percent of the world’s known gas reserves are located in this region, including Russia and its neighboring countries," he said. 

Tavakoli also mentioned cooperation with Iran’s western neighbors, such as Iraq, saying these connections could complement its eastern collaborations and help build an efficient strategy for developing a regional gas transmission network.