Driving the news:
Iranian and Russian foreign ministers met in Moscow on Wednesday and held a joint press conference, highlighting growing political, economic, and security cooperation, and reaffirming shared perspectives on the nuclear issue, sanctions, and regional developments.
Why it matters:
Moscow’s explicit support for Iran’s right to enrichment reinforces Tehran’s position amid Western pressure and sanctions, while signaling deeper Iran–Russia alignment against Western policies.
The big picture:
Tehran and Moscow say their comprehensive strategic partnership—formalized through a treaty—has accelerated cooperation across diplomacy, trade, transport, defense, and multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the UN.
What they are saying:
Russian foreign minister:
Lavrov said, “We referred today to Iran–Russia relations. The comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Iran and Russia was signed in 2025, and last week the presidents of the two countries discussed it in Turkmenistan. We discussed political issues, as well as trade and investment. Trade growth this year has been 10 percent.”
He added, “Relations between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union are very important. We remain interested in expanding bilateral ties. We discussed the Rasht–Astara railway, which will contribute to the development of the North–South transport corridor.”
Lavrov described Iran–Russia consultations on regional issues as “close,” stressing: “We are seeking greater democratization of international relations.”
He said, “We emphasized multilateralism, which unfortunately the West has ignored. Today, the principles and rules of international law must be respected.”
On sanctions, Lavrov noted, “We agreed to work with members of the international community who share our views and consulted on neutralizing the effects of sanctions.”
On Iran’s nuclear program, Lavrov said any decision or resolution that helps resolve the crisis would be supported “provided it secures the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its people.”
He stressed, “Iran’s full rights as an NPT member must be recognized and respected. In this framework, the extraction and use of uranium for entirely peaceful purposes is the legitimate right of the Islamic Republic of Iran and must be carried out inside the country.”
Iranian foreign minister:
Araghchi said: “I congratulate the government and people of Russia on the New Year and Christmas. Today we had detailed negotiations on all issues. Iran–Russia relations have witnessed extraordinary expansion, and with the signing of the comprehensive treaty, they have gained more momentum.”
He added, “In the agreement signed today, we defined the mechanisms of the two foreign ministries. Our relations are comprehensive. Politically, we share common positions and consult regularly.”
On economic ties, Araghchi said, “Our relations in the economic field have expanded greatly, including energy and transport. Trade is increasing, and new grounds for expansion have been identified. The joint commission will be held in February.”
He confirmed, “Cooperation in the defense and security fields continues.”
On the nuclear issue, he said, “Iran is a committed member of the NPT and adheres to its obligations, but we do not relinquish our rights. Our rights include peaceful nuclear use, including enrichment.”
Araghchi said Iran and Russia consulted on the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Palestine, condemning crimes committed by Israel and opposing any foreign military presence in the Caucasus.
Araghchi criticized the US and Europe, saying, “It was the Americans who betrayed negotiations midway. If they correct their approach and are ready for talks based on mutual respect and equality, we will consider it.”
On Europe’s E3, he said: “In our view, the three European countries do not have the capacity to negotiate. They illegally used the only tool they had, a snapback.”
Both ministers framed multilateralism and resistance to US-led unilateralism as shared strategic principles, while portraying Western sanctions as illegitimate tools of pressure.
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Iranian, Russian Foreign Ministers Meet in Moscow
Zohre Khazaee - A.Akbari
