According to CoinMeta, as reported by Iranian sources, Iran has announced that it is close to finalizing a strategic agreement for natural gas exchanges with Azerbaijan and Russia, while also seeking new foreign energy investment commitments to further advance its presence in the regional energy market. During the 28th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) ministerial meeting held in Moscow, Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Bovald held trilateral talks with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Zhviolov and Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov. The focus of the talks was on accelerating regional energy integration and gaining market share amidst fluctuations in Western markets. Bovald stated that a general consensus has been reached on the natural gas exchange agreement, and technical work is currently underway to finalize the deal. He expressed optimism about the progress of the project, saying that the pipeline infrastructure project promoted by Russia, which will pass through Azerbaijan, is expected to be put into use soon, enabling large-scale and smooth natural gas transportation between Tehran and Moscow. In addition, Bovald also held bilateral talks with the Russian Energy Minister to discuss expanding Russian investment in Iranian oil and gas fields.