Iran clinches maritime deal with Russia, advances talks with littoral states
Iran is moving to increase its use of regional maritime transport capacity, with Tehran and Moscow agreeing to form a joint maritime consortium while negotiations with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have also reported positive progress in recent days.
Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, said in a post on X on Monday that the two countries "have agreed to form the first maritime transport consortium," IRNA reported.
He said the understanding was reached during meetings on November 6 and 7 in Makhachkala — capital of Dagestan republic, southwestern Russia — involving the heads of the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran, senior government officials, and executives from major private-sector companies in both countries.
According to Jalali, "the structure and framework of this consortium were agreed upon" and the two sides will finalize the official text within a month.
He said the consortium will aim to "expand comprehensive trade, transit and multimodal transport between the two countries as a strategic objective."
Saeed Rasouli, head of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization, who participated in the talks, told IRNA that negotiations with Kazakhstan on joint investment and cooperation in maritime transport "have reached the contract stage," while discussions with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are continuing.
Rasouli said that although Iran has historically emphasized its hydrocarbon reserves, the country has “rich resources” in its ports and coastlines that require greater utilization. He noted that in the Caspian Sea region, Iran holds significant maritime potential for cooperation with its four neighboring littoral states, including landlocked countries seeking access to shipping routes.
He said agreements with Kazakhstan on investing in Iranian ports are "close to being signed," while Turkmenistan has also held related discussions.
The official added that a high-level Azerbaijani delegation led by the deputy prime minister recently visited Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port, and Tehran and Baku are now negotiating expanded transport cooperation using Iranian port infrastructure.