Turkmenistan has started shipping natural gas to Turkey through Iran, according to Iranian state media. The gas flow was confirmed by Iran's Oil Minister, Mohsen Paknejad, who stated that the contract for the project has been finalized. This development further strengthens the economic ties between Iran and Turkey and gives Iran leverage over the new gas corridor. Iran has been actively working to increase economic links with Central Asian countries and become more connected to BRICS nations. Iran's increased economic role in the region helps it avoid sanctions and pressure from the new US administration.