Iranian ambassador to Russia says there is energy cooperation potential despite sanctions

MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax) - Tehran is hoping for successful energy cooperation with Russia despite Western sanctions, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said.

"Speaking of energy cooperation, we have begun this work and it will be continued. In particular, this cooperation involves investments in Iranian deposits by various Russian oil and gas companies," Jalali told reporters on Wednesday.

Iran is an OPEC member, Jalali said. "Of course, we will play by the rules. Both Iran and Russia are members of OPEC+, where Iran and Russia maintain very good interaction," he said.

"Obviously, sovereign nations, which seek to conduct an independent policy, are facing the same threats. There is a very good chance today for sovereign, independent nations to fight the threats they are facing by combined efforts. Some of these challenges and threats derive from the restrictions imposed by the United States and European nations on third countries," Jalali said.