INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN - An Iranian lawmaker has said that the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of
Iran, two major energy producers, might open the door for both countries to seize the lead on the world oil market, IRNA reported on
Saturday.In light of the fact that all nations are in desperate need of energy resources, according to Mahmoud Abbaszadeh Meshkini, the
signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Moscow and Tehran in oil and gas industry could have an impact on regional
projects valued at about $40 billion.The MOU was signed by NIOC Head Mohsen Khojasteh-Mehr and Vitaly Markelov, deputy chairman of the
Gazprom management committee.The development of Kish and North Pars gas fields, increasing the recovery factor of South Pars field,
development of six oil fields, swapping gas and petroleum products, completion of LNG projects, construction of gas export pipelines, and
cooperation in other scientific and technological areas are among the most important axes of the signed memorandum.Khojasteh-Mehr said
investment is seen as a major change in Iran's oil industry that may guarantee successful outcomes and economic prosperity for the Islamic
Foreign Policy Committee, said if the strategic agreement between Moscow and Tehran is put into effect, the two countries will be able to
control the global energy market and set energy prices, which will be advantageous for both sides.He added that Russia and Iran supply a
significant portion of the world's energy needs, and the West is heavily dependent on energy
He also noted that European nations are not interested in imposing sanctions on the energy industry.Notably, he observed, U.S
sanctions could not prevent Russia and Iran from signing MOUs and agreements, saying that Moscow and Tehran have characterized their
relationship as a strategic partnership, and both countries are eager to cooperate within this framework.A deep strategic partnership
between Russia and Iran has been sparked by developments in the international arena, the lawmaker said, adding that this partnership is
