Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian underlined on Tuesday that Iran is the top producer of electricity in West Asia, and said Tehran is planning on inking long-term agreements in this sector with the regional countries.

“Iran relies on its high electricity production capacity as well as its indigenous technical know-how for exports, construction, upgrading, repairing and maintenance of power grids,” Mehrabian told FNA in an exclusive interview.

The minister stated Iran pursues an ‘electricity diplomacy’.

“In addition to solving the problems of the neighboring countries in this sector, the grounds would be prepared for generating a steady flow of income and using the maximum capacity of the country’s electricity grid,” he said.

Energy ministry figures say total electricity generation capacity in Iran is more than 85 GW.

The minister also added Iran has signed its first long-term electricity contract with Iraq in line with this policy.

“There have been several fields of cooperation between Iran and Iraq, including the numerous contracts for construction and development of power plants and maintenance of the existing electricity production units,” Mehrabian explained.

Iran’s electricity grid is currently connected to several neighboring states.

Analysts say the US cannot stop Iraq from purchasing electricity from Iran as Baghdad still lacks necessary infrastructures to produce all its needs to power. Iraq depends on the imports because of routine power shortages and its flaring of associated gas, which is bound by production limits as part of the country’s attempted adherence to OPEC+ cuts.

Iranian officials say Tehran has a special interest in developing relations with the neighboring countries. 

Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi stated that Tehran has developed economic and trade relations with the neighbors in order to neutralize the US sanctions.