Anatoly Tikhonov, head of the Center for International Agribusiness and Food Security at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), has said that Russia has the capacity to replace Iranian food supplies for Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, while also offering solutions in energy and agrochemical sectors.

Tikhonov noted that the three republics rely heavily on dairy products and certain vegetables, and Russia, as a global leader in wheat, grain, flour, and cooking oil production, can physically replace the volumes previously supplied by Iran, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

“We can essentially refill the shelves left empty after Iran’s withdrawal,” he said.

The move comes after Iran imposed a temporary ban on exporting all food and agricultural products to prevent domestic shortages and price hikes amid ongoing tensions with the US and Israel. Tajikistan, one of the main recipients of Iranian food, has already expressed concern over the disruption.