Armenia is counting on the timely completion of the strategic 400 kV Iran-Armenia power transmission line, a project expected to significantly strengthen energy cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Narek Apitonyan discussed the construction of the high-voltage transmission line with Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani's successor, Khalil Shirgholami, The Caspian Post reports via Sputnik Armenia.

During the meeting, Apitonyan expressed hope that the Iranian contractor, Sunir, would complete both the transmission line and the associated substation within the agreed timeframe. The officials also reviewed other areas of bilateral cooperation.

The project had previously faced delays due to the security situation in the Middle East. In May, Hovhannes Abrahamyan, Acting Head of the Energy Department at the ministry, said the commissioning of the line had been postponed after Iranian contractors requested a short extension. Despite the slowdown, construction work continued.

Armenia and Iran are currently connected by two transmission lines operating at 110 kV and 220 kV. Once the new 400 kV line becomes operational, the electricity transfer capacity between the two countries is expected to increase from 350 megawatts to 1,200 megawatts.

The expanded capacity will support the long-standing gas-for-electricity exchange program, under which Iran supplies natural gas to Armenia. The gas is used to generate electricity at Armenian thermal power plants, with part of the electricity exported back to Iran while the remainder serves Armenia's domestic power grid.