Iran and Russia are reinforcing their economic and strategic cooperation, focusing on trade, energy, and transport projects. Key discussions include regional challenges and nuclear negotiations, with both countries continuing to assert their positions against external pressures. Recent trade growth highlights the strengthening bilateral relationship amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, highlighted the strong collaboration between Iran and Russia, particularly in trade, energy, and railway infrastructure. He stated that discussions regarding regional developments in West Asia and the Caucasus are frequent and ongoing. Araghchi announced that the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission will soon convene to enhance economic ties in crucial sectors like energy and tourism.
Araghchi reaffirmed both nations’ shared interests in critical regional issues, especially concerning Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. He called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon’s occupied territories. The minister expressed concern regarding Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing that negotiations must not occur under the pressure of threats or sanctions, as ongoing U.S. policies make talks with Washington impossible.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that trade between Iran and Russia grew by over 13% in the past year, despite ongoing Western sanctions. He expressed satisfaction with the increasing trade exchanges and underscored the importance of logistics and transport cooperation, particularly through projects like the Rasht-Astara railway, which connects India to Russia and northern Europe.
Lavrov referenced the previously signed Comprehensive Strategic Agreement during the Iranian president’s Moscow visit and expressed optimism about rapidly implementing an Eurasian free trade deal. This visit also raised speculations about possible mediations between Washington and Tehran as Iran grapples with economic challenges. The timing coincides with discussions among U.S. and Russian officials regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
During a meeting with Lavrov, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed the need for stronger cooperation and the swift implementation of existing agreements between Iran and Russia. The geopolitical context is crucial, as President Trump’s administration aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities while dealing with sanctions and accusations of Iran supplying military support to Russia.
The ongoing collaboration between Iran and Russia reflects their strategic alignment in addressing economic challenges and regional issues. High-level discussions have emphasized enhancing trade and infrastructure ties, while both countries express firm stances on critical geopolitical matters, including nuclear negotiations and regional conflicts. The evolving relationship suggests significant implications for international diplomacy, particularly in the context of Western sanctions and U.S.-Iran relations.
Original Source: caspiannews.com
