Iran’s oil minister said agreements reached with Russia have entered the implementation phase following the conclusion of the 19th Iran-Russia Joint Economic Commission.
Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the three-day meeting ended after intensive negotiations, adding that many past understandings moved into execution after obstacles were removed.
Speaking Wednesday in a live televised interview, Paknejad said specialized working groups held detailed talks across multiple sectors during the commission.
He cited energy as a key focus, particularly cooperation on oil and gas field development and gas trade. Paknejad said discussions on gas imports from Russia were central and remain high on the agenda.
In transportation, Paknejad said the Rasht-Astara railway project — a major joint initiative — was reviewed and that many hurdles were resolved. He said the Russian side committed to begin construction in early April 2026.
Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant progress
Paknejad also pointed to cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, saying both sides agreed to accelerate work on the second and third phases of the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
He added that the two countries reached “appropriate conclusions” on economic and trade cooperation, including the supply of grains, animal feed and agricultural products, which could help meet domestic demand.
Paknejad emphasized that a significant portion of previous agreements facing challenges had been finalized through expert-level negotiations and are now being implemented. The joint commission’s secretariats in both countries will oversee follow-up and execution, he said.
With operational mechanisms activated and barriers reduced, Paknejad said Iran and Russia are expected to expand economic and energy cooperation at a faster pace and capitalize on existing capacities.