Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated the commitment to increasing economic and regional cooperation with Russia during a press conference with Sergey Lavrov. They discussed strengthening ties in trade, energy, and rail infrastructure. Both nations hold aligned positions on several regional matters, and Araghchi emphasized a firm stance on nuclear negotiations amidst ongoing sanctions. Lavrov noted a significant trade growth, highlighting projects that enhance logistics and cooperation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has reaffirmed Tehran and Moscow’s ongoing cooperation, emphasizing trade, energy partnerships, and railway infrastructure development. He stated, “Our consultations with Russia are ongoing across all sectors… we regularly exchange views on developments in West Asia, the Caucasus, and other strategic regions,” during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Tehran on February 25.
Araghchi announced the imminent convening of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, aimed at enhancing economic ties in crucial sectors such as energy, railways, and tourism. He also highlighted the aligned positions of Iran and Russia on regional issues, particularly relating to Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, and urged for the removal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
The Iranian diplomat also shed light on discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing the close consultations with Moscow on the matter. He firmly stated, “Iran’s stance on nuclear negotiations is firm: we will not negotiate under threats or sanctions,” underlining that negotiations with the U.S. remain untenable as long as pressure continues.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov noted a significant growth in trade between the two countries, which had increased by over 13% in the past year despite Western sanctions. He remarked, “We are pleased to see an increase in trade exchanges between Iran and Russia, and we hope to maintain this momentum,” highlighting the Rasht-Astara railway project as an important logistical link within the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Lavrov further referred to the Comprehensive Strategic Agreement signed during the Iranian president’s Moscow visit on January 18, expressing hopes for the swift implementation of an Eurasian free trade agreement. During a meeting with Lavrov, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated the capacity of both nations to enhance their cooperation, urging for expediency in implementing existing agreements.
The visit of Lavrov raised speculation about potential mediation between Washington and Tehran, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges faced by Iran. The situation is complicated by President Trump’s objective to prevent Iran’s nuclear ambition, which has led to a complex relationship between the two nations amidst broader geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding U.S. and Russian dialogues about hostility resolutions in Ukraine.
The reaffirmation of economic and regional cooperation between Iran and Russia highlights the strengthening bilateral relations in light of shared interests and ongoing geopolitical tensions. With a focus on various sectors including trade, energy, and transportation, both nations aim to navigate sanctions and enhance their strategic partnership. The prevailing geopolitical landscape continues to influence their discussions, particularly concerning the complex issue of Iran’s nuclear program and regional stability.
Original Source: caspiannews.com
