Iran Proposes Energy Cooperation to Boost Caucasus Stability
Iran has proposed expanding energy cooperation among countries in the 3+3 regional format to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus by leveraging the region’s own resources and infrastructure.
Saeed Tavakkoli, managing director of the National Iranian Gas Co., made the proposal Friday, Oct. 16, during a specialized session at the eighth Russian Energy Week International Forum in Moscow, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
Tavakkoli highlighted existing natural gas pipelines and electricity transmission networks as opportunities to strengthen cooperation among countries participating in the 3+3 format.
The session, titled “Energy Cooperation in the 3+3 Format to Strengthen Peace and Security in the South Caucasus,” brought together senior officials and deputy ministers from the energy and petroleum ministries of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.
“Discussions about energy cooperation and security in the South Caucasus are not just about which route gas takes or how much is transported,” Tavakkoli said. The more important question, he added, is how energy trade, industrial cooperation and economic ties can deliver lasting benefits to all participating countries.
He cited Iran’s history of gas industry cooperation with the former Soviet Union, gas swaps involving Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, gas and electricity exchanges with Armenia, and seasonal assistance to meet regional energy needs. He also pointed to Iran’s provision of gas to Georgia during an emergency in 2006.
Tavakkoli said Iran’s substantial natural gas resources, electricity generation capacity, 41,000 kilometers of gas transmission pipelines and 480,000 kilometers of distribution networks give the country a strong position in regional energy cooperation.
Iran’s geographical location between major energy production and consumption centers also creates opportunities for gas swaps and transit, he said.
Referring to a 2024 memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Moscow on Russian gas supplies to Iran, Tavakkoli said the first priority should be making better use of existing infrastructure.
The region already has gas transmission networks and the necessary infrastructure, he said, adding that stronger coordination is needed to use these capacities more efficiently.
As a second proposal, Tavakkoli suggested that regional countries exchange natural gas or electricity seasonally, particularly during periods of peak demand or specific times of the year. Such arrangements could strengthen cooperation and ultimately contribute to lasting peace and stability, he said.
Other speakers at the session included Russia’s deputy energy minister, an official from the Russian Foreign Ministry’s economic cooperation department, a representative of Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR, the head of Armenia’s nuclear power plant and the chairman and founder of Georgia’s Sikha Research Foundation.
The eighth Russian Energy Week International Forum opened in Moscow on Wednesday with a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The event focuses on key issues in fuel and energy sector development, interregional cooperation and international partnerships in the energy industry.
This year’s program features more than 30 specialized sessions with over 100 international speakers. Topics include changes in oil markets, gas market development, investment in the electricity sector, emerging energy technologies, environmental protection, energy efficiency, international cooperation, education and workforce development. - Shana
19/10/2026
President Calls for Iran's Fuel Distribution Overhaul
Stressing the need to reorganize fuel distribution, combat smuggling and reform how energy subsidies are allocated, the president called for the benefits of reduced consumption and curbed waste to go to disadvantaged groups. According to president.ir, Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking Wednesday, October 14 at a meeting reviewing fuel consumption optimization and management, stressed the need for better cross-sector coordination, continuous oversight, identification of bottlenecks where resources are lost, and careful follow-up on assigned responsibilities. He called for consumption-management programs to be turned into executable, measurable, data-driven action.
Cutting consumption by reforming distribution
The meeting heard a report on efforts to reorganize the fuel distribution system, target the distribution of petroleum products, and prevent misuse of fuel cards. According to the report, these measures are expected to cut fuel consumption by roughly 3 to 5 million liters per day. Figures presented at the meeting also showed fuel imports this October down 58% from the same month last year. Stressing the need for close monitoring of fuel supply, transfer and consumption, Pezeshkian said: "The volume consumed, wasted and diverted out of the official distribution network must be clearly identified, and the source of any deviation in this chain must be traced." He added that sound management, transparent information and effective action against violations can help close the loopholes that enable smuggling, prevent waste and reduce the energy imbalance.
Fairness in subsidies at the heart of consumption management
The president said the government's aim in reforming energy subsidy mechanisms is not to raise revenue. The gains from managing consumption, cutting waste and distributing subsidies fairly, he said, should be spent on supporting low-income groups and improving the economic situation of disadvantaged households. Noting the need to explain the reforms to the public, he said: "These policies should not be viewed solely through the lens of price realignment. The main goal is fairness in distributing national resources and giving people an equitable share of the country's capacities and wealth." Pezeshkian stressed the responsibility of the media and executive bodies in explaining these policies, and called for the public interest and the needs of disadvantaged groups to take priority in decision-making.
Reforming gas subsidy allocation
Pointing to the need to revisit how gas subsidies are allocated, the president called for a fair mechanism through which households benefit from state support. Asking why those who own several properties should enjoy multiple benefits while some households do not own even one, he urged reform of the subsidy system based on clear criteria and social justice. He said eligibility for subsidized quotas must be rule-based, and that consumption above the allotted quota should, within legal regulations and approved mechanisms, be priced in line with actual cost. Saying the government accepts the discontent that curbing disproportionate privileges may cause, he stated: "What must not happen is low-income groups being dissatisfied with how public resources and support are distributed." Citing the principles of governance of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), he also stressed that the public interest takes precedence over the interests of privileged groups, saying the satisfaction of the general public can outweigh the discontent of particular groups, and that public policy must therefore serve the majority.
Combating smuggling and preventing diversion of subsidized resources
Pezeshkian described combating fuel smuggling and preventing subsidized products from being diverted from their designated uses as requirements of energy consumption management, and called for targeted action against offenders. Stressing the need to identify those involved in fuel smuggling, he called for restricting their access to subsidized quotas, including by cancelling or blocking their fuel cards, once a violation is established and in accordance with regulations. Calling for a continuous, data-driven monitoring system across fuel supply, transfer and consumption, he said: "It must be known how much fuel is consumed in the country, how much is wasted and how much leaves the official distribution network." He added that the source of any deviation in the distribution chain must be identified, and that by closing the loopholes for smuggling and preventing waste, the ground can be laid for reducing the energy sector's imbalance. Pezeshkian said: "All the benefits from reduced consumption and waste prevention must go to the target population, and no government body should claim any right to these resources. They belong to the people and must be spent on the designated path of supporting eligible groups."
Organizing fuel quotas for legal entities
Stressing the need to organize fuel consumption across sectors, the president called for settling the status of legal entities and revisiting how subsidized quotas are allocated to them. He said legal entities, regardless of title or type of activity, must be regulated under clear criteria, and that allocating subsidized gasoline to them is unnecessary. Pezeshkian also stressed revisiting the allocation of subsidized diesel to non-essential uses, and called for identifying unjustified uses and reforming quota allocation mechanisms within legal regulations.
Transparency in public transport fleet fuel use
The president described organizing fuel consumption by the public transport fleet, particularly intracity buses and minibuses, as another essential part of reforming consumption patterns, and stressed the need for an accurate database of the fleet and its fuel use. Noting that fleet data can be compiled through cooperation among executive bodies, he said: "Every ministry and responsible body must report the number of buses and minibuses under its management, broken down by province, department and organizational unit, so that each sector's diesel consumption can be determined and compared against measurable benchmarks." He called for recording consumption, matching allocated quotas to actual performance, and continuously evaluating bodies' performance, stressing: "Fuel consumption by the government-managed fleet must be transparent, documented and open to oversight, and no body is exempt from consumption-management duties." The president added that consumption management in the public sector, given its access to information and capacity for direct oversight, should be pursued with seriousness and the performance of bodies in this area continuously assessed.
Following up on resolutions and returning the benefits of reform to the people
Summing up the discussion, Pezeshkian stressed continuous follow-up on resolutions and accountability among executive bodies, and called for coordinated implementation of programs to reorganize fuel distribution, combat smuggling, make quotas transparent, manage consumption in government bodies and reform subsidy allocation. He said the measure of success for fuel consumption policies is not merely lower consumption or lower fuel supply costs; it must also be clear how, and through what mechanism, the freed-up resources serve to improve people's livelihoods, especially for disadvantaged groups. Finally, the president obliged the responsible bodies, besides carrying out their duties precisely, to submit documented reports on their performance and results, so that the extent to which goals are met can be assessed and the public held informed and accountable. - Shana
19/10/2026
Iranian, Algerian, Iraqi & Pakistani Central Banks Governors Discuss Enhancing Ties
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran met and held talks with Mohand Bouri, Governor of the Central Bank of Algeria, on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
At the meeting, the two sides discussed and exchanged views on the latest status of monetary, banking, and trade relations between the two countries. Enhancing the level of joint economic cooperation and utilizing mutual capacities to strengthen bilateral trade interactions were among the most important themes of the meeting.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, referring to the historical and political commonalities between Iran and Algeria, emphasized the serious determination of the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop and consolidate economic relations with friendly and brotherly countries.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Algeria, while expressing satisfaction with the meeting, emphasized his country’s readiness to expand economic and banking cooperation with Iran and the need to follow up on mutual agreements in line with the interests of the two nations.
In late December, Saeed Zare’ Haghighi, the head of Iran Trade Center in Algeria, said that Algeria’s infrastructure needs offer significant opportunities for exporting technical and engineering services, making the North African country a largely untapped economic market.
He said Africa — and Algeria in particular — should be seen as a strategic destination for the private sector, noting that limited numbers of commercial counsellors made targeted entry into new markets essential.
He described Algeria as a geopolitically secure country with a strategic location close to Europe, adding that after the decline in Russian energy exports, about 20 percent of Europe’s oil and gas is now supplied by Algeria.
Zare’ Haghighi said Algeria’s foreign currency revenues had risen from around $50 billion to more than $300 billion in recent years, generating a trade surplus of $20 billion to $30 billion and creating broad scope for economic cooperation.
He pointed to strong demand in Algeria for technical and engineering services, infrastructure projects, and the construction of silos and storage facilities linked to food security, saying Iranian companies had the technical know-how and experience to meet these needs.
He also highlighted Algeria’s industrial and mining potential, including steel and phosphate, and said the trade center was ready to identify opportunities, guide exporters and promote participation in specialized exhibitions, drawing on models used by countries such as Turkey that combine trade with on-the-ground investment.
On the sidelines of the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Hemmati also met and held talks with Nizar Nasser Hussein, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq. According to an IRNA report from the Central Bank, this meeting, held in a constructive atmosphere, saw the two sides exchange views on ways to develop and consolidate bilateral relations. The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, in this meeting, referring to the deep historical, economic, and political commonalities between Iran and Iraq, emphasized the necessity of strengthening joint monetary and banking cooperation between the two countries.
He also announced the readiness of the banking system of the Islamic Republic of Iran to transfer experiences in banking areas. As stated by the head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, there is capacity for Iran-Iraq trade to reach $20 billion, and by resolving some domestic and foreign obstacles, this goal can be achieved.
Stating that the goal of increasing Iran-Iraq trade to $20 billion is not just a slogan, Yahya Al-e Es'haq said: "This figure is proposed based on experience and understanding gained from years of activity and examination of the economic relations between the two countries, and I believe that if we resolve some domestic issues and foreign obstacles, it is possible to achieve $20 billion in trade between Iran and Iraq."
In addition, the central bank governors of Iran and Pakistan have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral financial and banking ties and facilitate trade between the two countries. Hemmati met with Jameel Ahmad, governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand, according to the Central Bank of Iran.
The two officials reviewed various issues related to expanding economic and banking relations and increasing trade interactions. Developing monetary and banking cooperation, facilitating commercial exchanges, exploring ways to strengthen bilateral financial ties, and making use of the two countries’ economic capacities were among the areas identified for advancing cooperation.
The meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group are being held in Bangkok from October 12 to 18, 2026, providing an opportunity for economic and monetary officials to discuss global economic developments and strengthen international cooperation. - Tehran Times, IRNA
19/10/2026
Iran, Eurasia Pen MoU, Take New Step for Free Trade, Integration
The Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade stressed, at the signing of a cooperation memorandum with the member states of Eurasia, the full implementation of the free trade agreement, the removal of trade barriers, and the expansion of transit cooperation.
According to IRNA from the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade, Seyyed Mohammad Atabak, on Wednesday evening, at the signing of the memorandum with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union during the second meeting of the Joint Committee for the Implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and this union, called for operational follow-up of the agreements, the removal of trade barriers, and maximum use of the capacities of this agreement to develop economic exchanges.
The Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade described transparency in import regulations, timely exchange of statistical information, and the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers as requirements for fully benefiting from free trade.
He emphasized the necessity of following up on issues related to vehicle recycling fees, access of Iranian cement products to the markets of the union’s member states, and requirements for importing food products, and declared Iran’s readiness to cooperate in examining and removing these barriers.
The Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade further called for turning agreements into specific executive plans with a clear timetable and determining the responsibilities of each party.
He proposed that the secretariats of both sides, by creating a mechanism for continuous monitoring of the implementation of the approvals, present a progress report on measures at the next meeting of the Joint Committee.
The Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade stated: The negotiations held will be constructive and result-oriented, and the summary of the negotiations and approvals in specialized committees should be the basis for regular follow-up of commitments.
He expressed hope that the implementation of the agreements, while facilitating the activity of traders and increasing trade exchanges, would lead to strengthening economic cooperation between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union and enhancing the position of the parties in regional and international relations.
The second meeting of the Joint Committee for the Implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union was held, hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade, with the presentation of solutions for trade facilitation, the development of economic cooperation, and the removal of existing barriers.
In this committee, the minister responsible for trade of the Eurasian Economic Union, officials of the Economic Commission, ambassadors, deputy ministers of the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade, representatives of the Iran Trade Promotion Organization, the Customs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, the Ministries Transport and Urban Development and Agriculture, and the National Standards Organization of Iran and the Iran Veterinary Organization were present.
Accelerating the establishment of the electronic system for verification of origin, developing transit cooperation within the framework of the International North–South Corridor, and strengthening technical and health cooperation related to trade were among the most important axes of this meeting.
Also, the signing of the cooperation memorandum of understanding between the Business Council of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture was assessed as a step toward strengthening communication among private sector actors and expanding trade cooperation between the two sides.
Awarding highest honorary badge of Eurasian Economic Union to industry, mining and trade minister
The highest honorary badge of the Eurasian Economic Union was awarded to Seyyed Mohammad Atabak, Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in appreciation of his effective efforts in developing and deepening Iran’s economic relations with this union, by Andrey Slepnev, Minister of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission.
According to an IRNA from the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade, this honorary badge was awarded in appreciation of the measures and efforts of the Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade to expand economic cooperation, strengthen trade interactions, and develop the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union; cooperation that is pursued with the aim of utilizing mutual capacities, facilitating trade, and expanding economic ties between the parties.
Andrey Slepnev, Minister of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Union, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to participate in the second meeting of the Joint Committee for the Implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union, and in a meeting attended by Seyyed Mohammad Atabak, Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade, and other ambassadors of member states, they addressed the presentation of solutions for trade facilitation, the development of economic cooperation, and the removal of existing barriers.
On October 1, the Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), in a meeting with the Trade Minister of the Eurasian Economic Union, referring to the upward trend of trade between Iran and the member states of the union, emphasized the Islamic Republic of Iran’s determination to expand and deepen trade relations and strengthen ties between the private sectors of the two sides.
According to a report by the Public Relations of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization, Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, in a meeting with Slepnev, referring to the course of trade between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, said: “Despite all challenges and problems, trade statistics between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union have taken an upward trend, and this promises bright prospects for the development of trade relations in the future.”
The Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade, emphasizing the will and determination of the Islamic Republic of Iran to expand trade relations with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, added: “Iran has regular cooperation and trade relations with Russia and other member states of the union, and we are striving to make these ties deeper than before.”
Dehghan Dehnavi also expressed hope that the second meeting of the joint committee of Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will be held in Tehran soon, and continued: “Holding this meeting in Tehran can be a suitable opportunity to strengthen communication between the private sectors of Iran and the member states of the union and to form new economic and trade cooperation.”
The Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization also stressed the continuation of consultations and the use of existing capacities to develop economic and trade cooperation between Iran and the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.
It is worth noting that Dehghan Dehnavi traveled to Minsk to participate in the 19th meeting of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus.
Also, in mid-September, Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, offering a positive assessment of the results of his Tuesday meetings with officials of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), announced the proposal of initiatives such as setting a base currency to accelerate transactions and appointing special representatives to resolve obstacles facing bilateral trade.
According to IRNA, Seyyed Ali Madanizadeh, speaking to reporters after separate meetings and talks with the Chairman of the Executive Board and the Minister of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission at the union's headquarters in Moscow, added: "We held very good sessions."
He stated: "On Iran's behalf, we expressed our interest and readiness to expand relations and fully implement the free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, and that we are prepared to cooperate with this union in various fields; the union's officials, in turn, expressed their willingness and interest in expanding ties with our country."
The Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, referring to the efforts of the enemies of the Iranian nation to fuel economic warfare and block trade and financial channels, said: "What is evident is that, thanks to God, these countries support Iran and our economy, and that Iran has managed to maintain production and trade relations with countries under the toughest conditions." He added: "The member states of the Eurasian Economic Union are equally committed and eager to develop these relations."
Continuing his Moscow visit agenda for multilateral consultations, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance attended the Eurasian Economic Union's headquarters and met with the Chairman of the Executive Board and the Minister of Trade to discuss accelerating bilateral trade.
Seyyed Ali Madanizadeh, and Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, emphasized their shared determination to expand cooperation during this meeting.
Prior to this meeting, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance held a separate session with Andrey Slepnev, Minister in charge of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission, and a group of union officials to review the progress of cooperation following the implementation of the free trade agreement. Slepnev, noting that the second meeting of the Iran-EAEU working group would be hosted by Tehran in the coming months, expressed hope that the upward trend in bilateral trade would continue.
Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, and Mehdi Heydari, Deputy Minister of Economy and head of Iran's Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance, accompanied Madanizadeh during these meetings.
The free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union came into force in May 2025 after completing legal procedures in the signatory countries, subsequently eliminating customs duties on 87% of goods in bilateral trade.
Within this cooperation framework, the path has been smoothed for Iranian goods to enter the market of over 180 million people in the union's member states, and reciprocally, this opportunity is available for traders from the five signatory countries in commerce with Iran.
Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia are members of the Eurasian Economic Union, and Iran holds observer status in the union.
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is a regional economic integration bloc in the post-Soviet space, established by a treaty signed in 2014 and launched on January 1, 2015. Its five member states are Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, with Iran, Cuba, Moldova, and Uzbekistan holding observer status.
Modelled in part on the European Union, the EAEU aims to create a single internal market with the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour. Its core objectives include improving living standards, ensuring sustainable economic development, and boosting the global competitiveness of member economies.
The bloc is driven by institutions such as the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the Eurasian Economic Commission. While the EAEU has expanded external ties—notably through a free trade agreement with Iran—internal integration remains uneven, with Russia dominating trade flows in a "hub and spoke" model. The bloc has set a long-term vision to become a self-sufficient and attractive macro-region by 2045. - Tehran Times
19/10/2026
Iran Proposes New Transit Routes, Infrastructure Coop. with Kazakhstan
Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh has proposed expanding regional transit routes, strengthening railway connectivity and boosting infrastructure cooperation with Kazakhstan to facilitate trade and improve logistics links across the region.
The minister made the proposals during a meeting with her Kazakh counterpart, Nurlan Sauranbayev, in Kazakhstan on Friday, according to Iran’s Roads and Urban Development Ministry. Sadegh highlighted a roadmap for the eastern route of the International North–South Transport Corridor, developed by Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan, and called for implementing existing agreements and removing obstacles to bilateral cooperation.
Her proposals included activating the corridor’s eastern branch, increasing transit capacity, connecting Chabahar Port to Iran’s railway network, and developing the China–Kazakhstan–Iran–Europe corridor.
Sadegh said Iran had submitted a proposed roadmap for bilateral cooperation focusing on the suggested routes and expressed hope that the document would be signed soon to accelerate implementation.
She also called for implementing the amended protocol on international passenger and freight transport, emphasizing the importance of expanding road and rail connectivity. The Iranian minister invited her Kazakh counterpart to attend the upcoming inauguration of the Chabahar–Zahedan railway. She said the railway, which is planned to extend toward Sarakhs, would improve access for Afghanistan and countries north of the Caspian Sea while creating new opportunities for regional transit and logistics.
Sauranbayev welcomed the proposals, saying the bilateral cooperation roadmap was being finalized. He also accepted the invitation to attend the railway inauguration. The Kazakh minister underscored the need to diversify road and rail networks, increase trade and strengthen bilateral and multilateral consultations with regional countries to improve logistics links connecting Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe. - IRNA
19/10/2026
Iran's Parliament Approves Akhlaqi as Minister of Defense
Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defense minister on Sunday, ending months of interim leadership at the ministry and placing a former defense sector veteran in charge of the country's defense production and procurement apparatus. Akhlaqi replaces Majid Ebn al-Reza, who took over in an interim capacity after then Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh was killed by US-Israeli strikes in February.
Akhlaqi has spent decades in Iran's defense industry and has held senior roles in its aerospace and missile sectors. He is subject to US and EU sanctions over his work in Iran's defense sector. In a programme presented to lawmakers, Akhlaqi pledged to rebuild the country's military-industrial infrastructure, accelerate the development of defense technologies and expand cooperation with private-sector companies. "If the American enemy makes another miscalculation, the response of the valiant Iranian people and the fighters of Islam will be surprising and extensive," he said, adding that Tehran had taken necessary measures to counter the potential use by the US of its "mother of all bombs" against Iran.
CNN reported this week that the US has developed strike plans that could include using the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, also known as the "mother of all bombs", against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders renewed combat operations. The weapon is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. "The US President should focus on ensuring his forces are withdrawn safely from our region. If he drops a single bomb, he will have to see how many of his troops end up being carried out of the region in a horizontal position," Akhlaqi said. - Reuters
19/10/2026
Sharjah Electricity, Water & Gas Authority Completes Maintenance of Substations
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa) has completed scheduled maintenance on 138 33kV substations during the first half of 2026.
It has also reviewed and approved 367 engineering plans for new substation projects and electricity network development in line with approved technical standards and specifications, an Emirates News Agency (WAM) report said.
The Authority completed 25 technical studies for new consumers and nine studies related to the electricity transmission network.
Reliability of electrical network
Engineer Hamad Al Teneiji, Director of the Energy Transmission Department at Sewa, said the work forms part of the Authority's efforts to enhance the reliability of the electricity network and improve the efficiency of power transmission substations in line with best practices in operation and maintenance.
He said Sewa is implementing the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to develop electricity transmission and distribution substations across the emirate, ensure network stability and reliability, and provide high-quality services.
Al Teneiji added that the Authority is reviewing electrical installations and carrying out maintenance and continuous monitoring of substations and networks.
Preventive maintenance
He said the maintenance programme covers power transmission substations and distribution transformers across Sharjah, with Sewa prioritising preventive maintenance and the use of high-quality, genuine spare parts to maintain the efficiency of equipment and substations.
Engineer Abdullah Al Kous, Deputy Director of the Energy Transmission Department, said the Authority's plan includes maintenance of 218 power transmission and distribution substations, with a significant portion already completed and work continuing on the remainder according to the approved schedule and safety and quality standards.
19/10/2026
Viking in Deal to Set Up Dhahran Facility
Viking Completion Technology (Viking) has established a new joint venture with Abdulrahman Algosaibi Holdings (AGH) and launched an API-certified manufacturing, testing and service facility in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The development follows five years of investment aimed at strengthening Viking’s presence in the Kingdom and supporting local oil and gas completion operations. The facility holds API Q1, API 14A, API 11D1, API 19AC and API 14L licences, making it one of only two facilities in Saudi Arabia with these certifications. It will manufacture safety valves, packers, seal assemblies, sliding side doors and landing nipples to customer specifications. The new operation enables Viking to supply locally manufactured equipment directly to Saudi customers, reducing delivery times and potential logistics challenges.
AGH’s local businesses include Intelligent Energy Services (i-Energy) and Extreme Precision Company (XPRECISION). The Dhahran facility complements Viking’s established Dubai premises, which has supplied international customers for nearly 30 years. Willie Morrison, Managing Director at Viking Completion Technology, commented: "Achieving API-certified status and launching our Saudi Arabia entity is a huge milestone for our dedicated team, which I am immensely proud of, and would not have been possible without the support of our Joint Venture partner. With AG Holding's local manufacturing capability, Viking is ideally placed to deliver as an In Kingdom Total Value Add supplier in line with the key objectives, social and economic requirements and strategic importance of the Saudi 2030 vision."
Abdulrahman Algosaibi, Chairman at AG Holding, commented: “This new facility is fully equipped with the latest capabilities for assembling and testing products, as well as for make-up and testing of completion assemblies. Skilled and experienced field personnel have been responsible for successful trial tests in Saudi Arabia over the last three years, meaning that in addition to our API Certification, we also have a wide range of catalogued products currently supplied from Out of Kingdom. Over the next 12 months, Viking will perform further trials while supplying several new product variations. We are proud to be part of such a significant development for Viking in nearly three decades of operating. We look forward to welcoming customers to the facility and to keep demonstrating what we are capable of in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
19/10/2026
Sepco Nets Saudi Deal
Shandong Electric Power Construction Corporation (Sepco) has secured the Saudi Arabia Group 1-KSB Independent Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, which forms part of the kingdom’s first wave of large-scale battery energy storage projects.
Sepco is a major Chinese engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor specialising in power generation, transmission infrastructure and energy projects.
The project, Al Khushaybi Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), has a planned capacity of 500 MW/2,000 MWh.
It supports Saudi Arabia’s energy transition ambitions under Vision 2030, particularly the development of energy storage infrastructure to complement itsexpanding renewable energy capacity.
The project is being developed by a consortium of French energy major Engie and Saudi group Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co.
The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) is the offtaker for the project, which is mainly aimed at strengthening grid flexibility and supporting the integration of renewable energy into Saudi Arabia’s power system.
Upon completion and commissioning, the BESS facility will help balance electricity supply and demand by storing energy during periods of lower demand and discharging it when demand increases, it stated.
The project is also expected to improve grid stability, enhance the resilience of electricity supply, and support the integration of solar and wind power into the national grid, it added.
19/10/2026
Siemens Signs Deal with Omani Ministry
Siemens and Oman's Ministry of Energy and Minerals are partnering with four Omani universities to train the next generation of engineers in power grid planning and protection, supporting the Sultanate's renewable energy ambitions and national grid modernisation plans.
The initiative was announced at IEEE PowerTalks 2026 in Muscat, where Siemens granted software licences to Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Nizwa, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and Sohar University.
The licences cover Gridscale X PSS E, PSS SINCAL and Gridscale X Advanced Protection Assessment, industry-standard tools used to plan, simulate and protect electricity networks. The software will be available to students in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across the four universities during the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years.
The programme is expected to provide practical training to approximately 500 students per semester, enabling them to develop skills in grid design, network simulation and responses to power system faults.
The Ministry selected the universities as part of its broader energy transition strategy, which prioritises grid modernisation and the development of national expertise in electricity system planning and operations.
The initiative builds on Siemens' multi-year collaboration with the Ministry, including support for Oman's national energy model and Energy Transition Strategy, as well as training for government specialists in energy system modelling and planning.
Jamie Hoyzer, Managing Director of Siemens in Oman, said, "Across the Middle East, the grid is where energy ambitions are either enabled or delayed. It is one of the biggest opportunities for countries that plan ahead, such as Oman. Planning a grid for a high share of renewables requires the right tools and the people who know how to use them. We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the universities to prepare the next generation of engineers who will shape Oman's grid from on the same software used to plan and protect real networks."
Renewable energy targets drive grid investment
Oman is accelerating renewable energy deployment as it works towards a more integrated national electricity grid. The share of renewable energy connected to the national grid increased from 4.26% in 2024 to 9.46% in 2025.
The Sultanate aims to raise renewable energy's share to 30–40% by 2030, 60–70% by 2040 and 90–100% by 2050. Achieving these targets will require grid infrastructure capable of integrating increasing volumes of solar and wind power while maintaining reliability and protecting networks against faults.
Eng. Maryam Al Hashmi, Director of Electricity and Energy Efficiency Policies and Strategies at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, said, "The national grid is where Oman's renewable energy ambitions become reality. As we connect more solar and wind and extend the grid across the Sultanate, we need Omani engineers who can plan and operate it with confidence. Bringing advanced grid-planning tools into our universities is an investment in that national capability, in line with Oman Vision 2040."
Dr. Hamdan bin Sulaiman Al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, said, "Our students learn best when they work on the same challenges, and with the same tools, as the industry they will join. Access to Siemens grid-planning and protection software allows us to integrate theoretical and practical learning about power network management into our teaching and research. Thereby enabling our graduates to be ready to contribute to Oman's energy transition from day one."
Digitalisation and skills key to energy transition
The initiative comes as grid capacity and digitalisation emerge as major priorities for the Middle East's energy transition.
According to Siemens' 2026 Middle East Infrastructure Transition Monitor (ITM), which surveyed 400 senior executives across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Oman, grid limitations were identified as the factor most likely to slow the shift towards clean energy. Some 62% of respondents said inadequate grid infrastructure was holding back electrification.
Meanwhile, 64% identified smart grids and grid software as crucial enablers of the energy transition, with digitalisation ranked as the factor most likely to accelerate the shift. The report also highlighted the grid's role in supporting industrial growth, energy security and decarbonisation.
Training and workforce development ranked among organisations' top five priorities for the next three years, according to the report.
The software provided under the initiative serves distinct functions in power network management. PSS E supports transmission planning and analysis, while PSS SINCAL enables engineering-grade grid simulation and analysis. Gridscale X Advanced Protection Assessment allows engineers to simulate protection systems and assess how electricity networks respond to faults.
Through the collaboration, Siemens, the Ministry and the participating universities aim to strengthen local engineering capabilities and prepare graduates to support Oman's evolving electricity infrastructure as renewable energy deployment expands.
19/10/2026
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