Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan regional cooperation

Russia and Iran have moved to expand energy and nuclear cooperation. Officials reported progress on a land-based natural gas pipeline project involving Gazprom, with a proposed route through Azerbaijan to the Iranian city of Astara. This project aims for a capacity of approximately 150 million cubic meters per day. Additionally, a $25 billion memorandum of understanding was signed for the development of the Hormoz Nuclear Power Plant, a project involving Rosatom and Iran’s private sector intended to reach a 5,000-megawatt capacity by 2031.

Parallel to these energy developments, Azerbaijan and Iran are discussing expanded transit and infrastructure cooperation. Discussions between Azerbaijani and Iranian officials focused on the progress of railway construction, specifically noting that work in Azerbaijan has reached the Aghband area. Both nations emphasized the need to complete corresponding sections in Iran to increase regional transport capacity and proposed a joint committee to coordinate efforts in gas, electricity, and transport.

Recent high-level meetings, including a visit by Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Şahin Mustafayev to Iran, have focused on the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor. Discussions addressed the construction of the Agband–Kelaleh road bridge and the commissioning of border-crossing infrastructure. Furthermore, officials reviewed the expansion of loading capabilities at the Astara freight terminal. Mustafayev noted that active political dialogue between President Ilham Aliyev and President Masoud Pezeshkian has provided “significant momentum” to bilateral relations.