WANA (Jan 24) – The Iranian President, in an interview with Russia’s Channel 1, emphasized that the long-term strategic agreement signed with the Russian Federation demonstrates that neither Russia nor Iran will yield to externally imposed agendas. Instead, the two nations are committed to jointly fostering policies, peace, security, development, and economic progress in the region.

 

During his visit to Russia, Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the significance of the comprehensive strategic agreement between Iran and Russia, as well as plans to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation. Below is the full interview:

 

Journalist: Thank you, Mr. President, for taking the time for this interview. First, I’d like to ask, what impressed you most during your visit to Moscow?

 

Pezeshkian: We usually follow a routine—landing, driving straight to hotels and official venues for meetings and programs. But what truly mattered during this trip was the agreement we signed, which is a significant achievement for us. We are aware of the hostile policies some countries have towards us. Beyond what has already been mentioned, is there anything specific about this agreement, particularly in the economic sector, that you would like to highlight?

 

This agreement encompasses three main areas with 47 provisions. The first 12–13 focus on security and political issues, including bilateral and regional security, and efforts to mediate for peace in our region. Articles 19 to 40 address economic development, including cooperation in railways, trade, energy, electricity, and other sectors. Finally, the agreement also outlines mechanisms for follow-up and commitment implementation.

 

We aim to execute this partnership across cultural, political, security, scientific, and economic dimensions.

 

Journalist: Considering speculations about potential U.S. or Israeli military action against Iran, has there been any arrangement for joint defense between Iran and Russia?

 

Pezeshkian: As stipulated in the agreement, if either country is attacked by another, we have committed not to cooperate with aggressors or allow such actions to occur. Broadly, our collaboration with Russia includes mechanisms for security and defense, though specifics will depend on future agreements and decisions.

 

Journalist: So, you anticipate further security negotiations in the future?

 

Pezeshkian: Certainly. Agreements have been made in various areas, which will require follow-up work to be operationalized.

 

Journalist: While the West, particularly the U.S., imposes economic terrorism on Iran and targets key figures such as General Soleimani or foreign guests visiting Iran, the international community not only fails to condemn such actions but accuses Iran of supporting terrorism. Despite this, Iran refrains from strong responses to such accusations. Why?

 

Pezeshkian: What’s clear is the duplicity in their actions—whether it’s Israel’s actions in Gaza or the U.S.’s assassination of our scientists and commanders, claiming they were destabilizing the region. Take Israel’s operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria over the past 15 months—they’ve disregarded all international laws, conducting assassinations and bombings with full support from the U.S. and Europe.

 

No international framework permits the targeting of innocent civilians in war, yet Israel does so with impunity. And those who claim to champion human rights and democracy only reveal their hypocrisy. Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to genocide, leading even the International Criminal Court to condemn and pursue its commanders. Yet, the West continues to support and arm Israel, enabling further atrocities while promoting a false narrative of democracy and human rights.

 

Show us evidence that Iran has initiated a war or been involved in assassinations abroad. The culprits are either themselves or their proxies, like ISIS, which they created. Controlling media and coercing international organizations allow them to manipulate public perception and enforce their agenda.

 

Today, they attempt to convince the world that Iran seeks nuclear weapons. Yet, Iran’s Supreme Leader and its policies firmly oppose this. We neither pursued nuclear weapons in the past nor will we in the future. Their claims are baseless attempts at fear-mongering.

 

Journalist: Israel has repeatedly targeted Iran in its rhetoric, urging Iranians to rise against their government, while labeling the country as anti-Semitic. How do you respond to these claims?

 

Pezeshkian: These accusations are baseless. Iran has always been a refuge for Jews, saving them in historical crises. Even today, Jews live peacefully in Iran, have representation in parliament, and freely practice their faith in synagogues.

 

Our issue is not with any religion but with oppression and exploitation. We respect all divinely-revealed religions, recognizing their shared values of justice, fairness, and compassion.

 

Journalist: What’s your take on recent regional developments, including U.S. efforts to destabilize Iran’s borders?

 

Pezeshkian: The conflict stems from injustice and inequity. When groups are marginalized or treated unfairly, they naturally resist, regardless of any rhetoric about morality or righteousness. Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure justice for all and to address grievances at their root.

 

This principle must guide our policies to ensure stability and fairness in the region.