WANA (Aug 15) – Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the Islamic Republic’s strategy is to oppose the involvement of foreign countries and forces—particularly in the region’s geopolitics—emphasizing that current circumstances call for intensified talks between Tehran and Moscow.

 

Speaking Friday morning local time in a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union Prime Ministers’ summit in Kyrgyzstan, Aref highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation on regional issues. He reiterated Iran’s readiness to expand bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation with Russia.

 

Referring to Iran’s nuclear negotiations, Aref stressed that Iran has always sought dialogue and confidence-building regarding its peaceful nuclear activities, but claimed Western states politicized the issue from the start.

 

He criticized certain European positions on the “snapback” mechanism, arguing that three European states lack the legal right to intervene and that their proposals effectively endorse the U.S.’s “unprincipled” stance.

 

Aref accused Israel, with U.S. backing, of attacking Iran during indirect negotiations, killing prominent scientists, military commanders, and civilians—without, he said, any legitimate justification.

 

He condemned Israeli actions in Gaza as “inhumane” and aimed at “denying Palestinians the right to live,” urging stronger cooperation to stop such “crimes.”

 

He underlined Iran’s alignment with Russia in opposing U.S. unilateralism, advocating instead for multilateral strategies to ensure regional stability.

 

In the Caucasus, he welcomed any agreement that reduces tensions and fosters friendly relations among neighboring countries, but reiterated Iran’s opposition to foreign interference in the region.

 

Aref called for deeper Iran–Russia cooperation, noting that current ties fall short of potential due to bureaucratic hurdles. He urged joint work under a comprehensive strategic plan, especially in energy, tourism, transport, rail, and transit corridors, and proposed activating joint commissions more effectively to share scientific and technological achievements.

 

Russian Prime Minister Mishustin noted a significant increase in bilateral trade and economic ties in recent years, highlighting the importance of the Iran–Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement and the North–South transport corridor in strengthening regional links.

 

He stressed continued diplomatic engagement and cooperation in science, technology, tourism, and the implementation of bilateral agreements. In the Caucasus, Mishustin called for all regional states to adhere to good-neighborly relations and work together to shape the region’s future.

Aref Upon Arrival in Kyrgyzstan

Aref Upon Arrival in Kyrgyzstan. Social media/ WANA News Agency