Russia and Iran unite on Caspian issue

Tehran and Moscow are carrying out negotiations concerning the Caspian Sea. Representatives of both countries consider it unacceptable that non-Caspian states are "interfering" in regional issues.

The major topic of discussion is the division of the Caspian Sea into spheres of influence, primarily for determining gas rights. At the moment, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are working on a project lay a gas pipeline on the sea bed, in order to transport their gas to Europe, bypassing Russia. The project has support from the EU, however Iran and Russia are opposed, citing ecological concerns.