The Foreign Ministers of Iran and Russia signed a cooperation program document between the two countries' foreign ministries at the end of their talks in Moscow. This document, which was drafted following the implementation of the Iran-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Treaty, outlines the program of consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries for the years 2026 to 2028.
In a joint press conference that followed signing the cooperation document, Araghchi said that "Today, very close, detailed negotiations were held in all areas, including bilateral, regional and international issues."
"Bilateral relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation have expanded significantly in recent years, especially this year," he added.
"With the signing of the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between the two countries (signed on 17 January 2025), cooperation has entered a new phase and gained momentum. This agreement has now entered the implementation phase, and the two sides are moving forward based on the vision outlined in it," the Iranian minister added.
"In an agreement signed today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the agenda of the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2026-2028 was set, which will serve as a roadmap for cooperation over the next three years. Iran-Russia relations are comprehensive and all-out in nature."
"Economic relations between Iran and Russia have expanded significantly. Cooperation in the fields of energy, transport and transit is progressing, especially in the strategic project of the North-South Corridor and its Rasht-Astara section," Araghchi further said, adding that "Bilateral trade is also increasing and new areas for its development are being pursued. The Joint Economic Commission of the two countries will also be held in February with 17 specialized working groups."
He went on to say, "As a loyal member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran adheres to all its obligations, but will not waive its legal rights under this treaty."
The peaceful use of nuclear energy, including enrichment, is Iran’s inalienable right, and this right remains intact despite the attacks," noted Araghchi.
According to the Iranian minister, "Although the US and Zionist regime’s attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have damaged some buildings and equipment, they have not been able to destroy the country’s indigenous technology or weaken the will of the Islamic Republic of Iran. On the international stage, there is also a clear consensus to confront the system of domination, bullying, and double standards of Western countries, especially the United States."
Araghchi said elsewhere that " Iran and Russia discuss regional issues, including Israeli genocide in Gaza ."
Araghchi: Peace through force cannot be achieved despite US claims
Lavrov, for his part, said that his country is ready to fully support BRICS and stand against the US hegemony.
The Russian foreign minister further said that " Enemies of Iran and Russia are seeking to destroy bilateral relations.
He further asserted that "Russia and Iran are seeking to enhance bilateral cooperation in such arenas as BRICS, and the SCO."
Lavrov continued to say that "the IAEA has failed to take a clear stance regarding US-Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities."
He added that Moscow supports Tehran's right to uranium enrichment for non-military purposes.
According to Sputnik, the Russian foreign minister said after the meeting with Araghchi, that "Russia reaffirms its readiness to help our Iranian friends to find acceptable solutions to resolve the crisis with the [Iranian] nuclear program that was created by the West."
"Russia is urging the United States during contacts with it to pursue mutually acceptable solutions to the situation around Iran but is not pushing its mediation services," Lavrov said.
According to Lavrov, Russia and Iran "completely share" the position that any new steps must be based on Tehran's "goodwill" and its "attitude... after the strikes against [its] facilities by Israeli and American forces."
Answering the question by Sputnik's correspondent, he pointedly noted that these strikes hit "objects where the IAEA was present," and that the agency's subsequent silence on the attacks "says a lot."
Lavrov praised the "goodwill of the Islamic Republic of Iran" for seeking to rebuild relations with the IAEA, provided the agency's secretariat acts strictly within its technical mandate and does "not promote the Western agenda."
MNA
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