Moscow:National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) chief Saeid Tavakoli has pointed to the recent military activities of the United States and Israel as significant contributors to the global energy crisis. He emphasized the need for enhanced regional cooperation to protect energy supplies.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Tavakoli made these remarks while speaking to reporters during the eighth Russian Energy Week International Forum. He highlighted the necessity for geopolitical security, reliable networks, infrastructure, and adequate energy supplies to maintain energy stability.

Tavakoli criticized the recent US-Israeli strikes on South Pars facilities as the largest attack on gas infrastructure globally but noted that Iran's energy network remained unaffected. He credited this resilience to Iran's diversified fuel sources, varied infrastructure, skilled specialists, and prompt emergency responses.

He also mentioned Iran's readiness to respond to any developments amid rising regional tensions. Discussing the 3+3 regional cooperation framework, Tavakoli pointed to the existing infrastructure's potential to enhance energy cooperation with South Caucasus countries and their neighbors, promoting regional stability.

Tavakoli highlighted Iran's strategic location as a conduit connecting Central Asian energy networks with the South Caucasus and countries bordering the Persian Gulf. He also addressed ongoing negotiations between NIGC and Russia's Gazprom concerning a memorandum on gas supplies to Iran, signed in 2024. Outstanding issues include the pipeline route, pricing mechanism, and payment arrangements, all of which need resolution to finalize the contract.

The forum in Moscow included over 30 specialized sessions and more than 100 international speakers, focusing on energy cooperation to foster peace and security in the South Caucasus through the 3+3 initiative involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and Russia.