Iran is planning to move its largest platform, the Iran-Alborz oil platform, into the Caspian by June 2005 to allow drilling in the area, the Tehran Times reported. The 25,000-tonne platform is also the region\'s largest platform, with capacity to drill up to 400 metres with direct anchorage and even deeper with pre-anchorage. South and south-west Caspian depths are estimated at 700 to 1,000 metres, the report added. The movement of the platform is a strong indication that Iran is planning to conduct further exploration and drilling in its share of the Caspian basin, despite the fact that the dispute over the territorial division of the inland sea has still to be resolved. Iran continues to hold out for a 20% share of the basin, although its coastline covers only 13% of the area. Moves by Kazakhstan in particular to develop its Caspian acreage have increased the urgency of a settlement, although Iran may also opt to drill in areas contiguous with its shoreline while still holding out for a greater stake in any final division of the area. (WMRC)