Iran and Russia agreed on a fresh framework for cooperation between their foreign ministries on Wednesday, outlining consultations and joint initiatives through 2026-2028. The accord was signed in Moscow by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
Araghchi arrived in the Russian capital after a stop in Belarus, where he also met lawmakers from the State Duma and the Federation Council. The new plan builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed earlier this year, which both governments say has accelerated the pace of bilateral ties.
At a joint press conference, Araghchi said relations between Tehran and Moscow had expanded “extraordinarily” in recent years. He pointed to progress in energy, transportation, and transit projects, including the North-South Corridor and construction of the Rasht-Astara railway.
He added that the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission, featuring 17 specialized working groups, is scheduled for February 2026.
Araghchi also thanked Russia for its positions in the UN Security Council, where Moscow opposed unlawful actions by France, Germany, and the UK, and condemned US and Israeli strikes against Iran earlier this year. He said Iran values Russia’s good will and positive role in international affairs.
Lavrov stressed that both countries are committed to resolving nuclear issues through diplomacy. “We are determined to stabilize the situation and rule out any return to coercive measures,” he said, blaming Washington for dismantling the 2015 nuclear deal.
The two ministers pledged closer coordination against US sanctions and greater collaboration within BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union.
