Russia looking into possibility of boosting wheat exports to Iran to ensure country's food security - Energy Minister Tsivilev

TEHRAN. Feb 18 (Interfax) - Russia is preparing for a significant boost in wheat exports to Iran as part of the Islamic Republic's food security program developed by the two countries, Russia's Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev told reporters following the results of the intergovernmental commission between the two countries, which he co-chairs.

"We are already developing traffic along the North-South corridor for the delivery of agricultural products and other essential goods to Iran. We have prepared a food security program for Iran. We have created a joint working group that is preparing its details. We have spoken briefly about large wheat supplies, among other topics," Tsivilev said.

The ProZerno company said that Iran boosted imports of Russian wheat to 1.7 million tonnes from July 2025 to January 2026 from 565,000 tonnes the previous agricultural year. This is the third-highest volume after Egypt and Turkey. Total grain imports from Russia during the period were nearly 4.8 million tonnes compared to 2.8 million tonnes, respectively. This was also the third-highest volume.