Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the ongoing cooperation between Iran and Russia during a recent press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two nations are set to strengthen their economic ties through a joint commission focused on energy and transportation. Both ministers expressed solidarity on critical regional issues and addressed Iran’s nuclear negotiations amidst ongoing Western sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently reaffirmed the deepening coordination between Tehran and Moscow, focusing on trade, energy partnerships, and railway infrastructure. During a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Tehran, he stated, “Our consultations with Russia are ongoing across all sectors,” underscoring the significance of their collaborations in the context of developments across West Asia and the Caucasus.
Araghchi announced the upcoming convening of the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, which aims to enhance economic relations in critical areas including energy, railways, and tourism. He also highlighted their unified stance on regional issues such as Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, advocating for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon’s occupied territories.
The dialogue also touched on Iran’s nuclear program, where Araghchi emphasized, “Iran’s stance on nuclear negotiations is firm: we will not negotiate under threats or sanctions.” He stressed that negotiations with the United States are impossible as long as Washington maintains its maximum pressure policy.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov acknowledged a substantial increase in trade between Iran and Russia, which had risen by over 13% in the past year despite ongoing Western sanctions. He expressed optimism about sustaining this momentum, highlighting the importance of logistics through projects like the Rasht-Astara railway as key to enhancing economic cooperation.
Lavrov also referred to the Comprehensive Strategic Agreement signed during the Iranian President’s visit to Moscow in January, expressing hopes for the swift implementation of an Eurasian free trade deal. In conjunction with this, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Lavrov, asserting that the two nations possess ample capacity to fortify their cooperation.
Additionally, Pezeshkian called for expedited action on existing agreements, particularly regarding the strategic partnership. Meanwhile, Lavrov’s visit has fueled speculation regarding potential mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran, particularly in light of Iran’s economic challenges and its complex relationships with U.S. authorities under President Trump. The timing of this engagement raises concerns amidst increasing discussions about the Ukraine conflict and its implications for both parties.
In summary, Iran and Russia are reinforcing their economic and regional cooperation, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with the West. Their strategic collaboration emphasizes mutual benefits in trade and energy, alongside a united front on critical geopolitical issues. Despite challenges, both nations remain committed to enhancing their partnership, as demonstrated by the upcoming economic commission and significant trade growth. The geopolitical dynamics involving the United States and the implications for Iran’s nuclear negotiations also play a crucial role in shaping this partnership. Overall, this collaboration reflects a broader strategy to navigate shared interests amid external pressures and sanctions.
Original Source: caspiannews.com
