WANA (Feb 25) – During a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran’s stance on the JCPOA revival talks and relations with Western countries. He stated: “Regarding the nuclear issue, we will proceed in coordination with our friends in Russia and China. Iran’s position on nuclear negotiations is crystal clear: we will not negotiate under pressure, threats, or sanctions.”

 

Ongoing Consultations Between Iran and Russia

Araghchi highlighted the continuous consultations between Tehran and Moscow across various domains: “Beyond our extensive bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres, we maintain ongoing discussions on developments in West Asia, Eurasia, the Caucasus, and global issues.”

 

Expanding Economic Cooperation Between Iran and Russia

The Iranian Foreign Minister described his discussions with Lavrov as comprehensive and constructive, stating: “We reviewed all aspects of our relations. Our economic cooperation is progressing rapidly. The Joint Economic Cooperation Commission will convene in April.”

 

He added that Iran-Russia collaboration spans multiple sectors, including energy, railways, agriculture, trade, and tourism.

 

Regional Discussions: Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria

Araghchi underscored the depth of Iran-Russia consultations on regional issues: “We held extensive talks on Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. Iran has always condemned Israeli crimes in Palestine, and we continue to do so. We strongly oppose the newly proposed blockade of Gaza. A united regional stance has been adopted against this unacceptable plan, and at Iran’s request, an OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting will soon be held to address this issue.”

 

On Syria, he emphasized: “Our positions are closely aligned. Iran supports Syria’s stability, territorial integrity, and development based on the will of its people. We will continue backing peace and stability in the country.”

 

Regarding Lebanon, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s commitment to supporting its government and people, stressing the importance of reconstruction, the continuation of the ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria.

 

Iran’s Continued Support for the Resistance Axis

He reaffirmed Iran’s longstanding support for regional resistance groups: “We believe these groups are fighting for just and legitimate causes. Whatever form of struggle they choose, Iran will support them.”

Peace Efforts in the Caucasus and Afghanistan

Araghchi also addressed Iran’s role in the Caucasus, expressing willingness to mediate between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He noted that Iran and Russia closely monitor developments in Afghanistan and will continue their consultations on the matter.

 

Iran-Russia Consultations on JCPOA Revival

Regarding the nuclear deal, Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s close coordination with Moscow: “Our legal, political, and expert teams are in constant contact, and we will continue these discussions. I briefed Minister Lavrov and his colleagues on yesterday’s talks with the three European countries.”

 

Iran Rejects Negotiations Under Pressure

Reiterating Iran’s firm stance, Araghchi declared: “We coordinate our nuclear policy with Russia and China. Iran’s position remains unchanged: we will not negotiate under pressure, threats, or sanctions. Direct negotiations with the U.S. on the nuclear issue are impossible as long as maximum pressure remains in place.”

 

Lavrov: Rasht-Astara Railway a Key Step in North-South Corridor

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described his discussions with Araghchi as detailed and constructive. He highlighted the previous meetings between the presidents of Iran and Russia in Ashgabat and Kazan and noted: “Iranian President’s visit to Russia in January resulted in the signing of a comprehensive strategic agreement.”

 

Lavrov also referred to the Caspian Economic Forum held in Tehran and the upcoming Iran-Russia Joint Economic Commission. He emphasized the importance of the Rasht-Astara railway, stating: “The construction of this railway has begun, supported by a Russian state loan. It is a crucial step in establishing the North-South Corridor.”

 

Russia and Iran Advocate Resolving Global Conflicts via the UN Charter

Lavrov highlighted Moscow and Tehran’s shared perspective on international conflicts: “Both Russia and Iran believe global disputes should be resolved based on the UN Charter, sovereignty, and equality. We reject unilateral sanctions and discussed minimizing their impact on our economies.”

 

He further noted agreements between the two nations on coordination within the UN, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where Iran has gained full membership.

 

Diplomatic Window for JCPOA Remains Open – Without Threats

On the JCPOA negotiations, Lavrov stated: “We discussed the situation in detail and believe diplomacy still has potential, provided it is pursued without threats or coercion. Russia remains hopeful and will work to facilitate a resolution. This crisis was not created by Iran.”

Syria: A Solution Without Iran, Russia, and China Is Impossible

Regarding Syria, Lavrov emphasized: “Resolving Syria’s crisis without the participation of Russia, Iran, and China is impossible. External pressure and interference in the region, as seen during the Arab Spring, are unacceptable. We hope regional issues will be addressed in line with UN Security Council resolutions.”

 

He also mentioned discussions on the Caspian Economic Forum and Iran-Russia cooperation with China and Pakistan on Afghanistan.

 

Russia Appreciates Iran’s Balanced Stance on Ukraine

Lavrov expressed gratitude for Iran’s position on Ukraine: “We appreciate Iran’s balanced stance, which considers Russia’s concerns. The crisis must be addressed by protecting the rights of those who, after the 2014 coup, were labeled as terrorists and denied the right to speak their language.”

 

Regarding recent U.S.-Russia tensions over Ukraine, he remarked: “Recent UN events have shown that addressing the root causes of this crisis is essential.”

 

Iran and Russia Support Syria’s Territorial Integrity

The Russian Foreign Minister elaborated on his discussions with his Iranian counterpart regarding Syria, stating: “We examined humanitarian issues and long-term stability in Syria, as well as our approaches to this matter, taking into account the interests of all ethnic and religious groups in the country. We are closely following the results of the Syrian National Assembly, which convened today and will outline the future objectives of the new Syrian government.”

 

He added, “There are still contradictions in these objectives, and military confrontations continue in certain parts of Syria. We support peace, stability, and the prevention of threats and dangers not only within Syria but also for neighboring countries. Preserving Syria’s territorial integrity is crucial. Any pressure or provocation in certain areas of the country is unacceptable and dangerous.”

 

We Shared the Results of Our Contacts with the U.S. with Iran

At the conclusion of the press conference, Sergey Lavrov stated: “We also discussed Middle Eastern crises, which are deeply concerning. The situation in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, is unacceptable. We shared the results of our contacts with the United States, including discussions related to Ukraine, with Iran.”

 

This marks Lavrov’s first visit to Iran since the formation of the new Iranian government, with discussions focused on bilateral, regional, and international issues.