WANA (Aug 25) – In a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the President of Iran expressed gratitude for Russia’s stance on the Islamic Republic’s right to uranium enrichment, stressing, “Based on its religious principles and defensive doctrine, Iran has never sought, is not seeking, and will never seek to build nuclear weapons.”

 

At noon today, Monday, Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Putin briefed him on the main points and outcomes of his recent talks with the U.S. President in Alaska, saying: “We reached good results in these consultations, which, if fully implemented, will resolve the issue of Ukraine. Our discussions at this meeting were entirely focused on the Ukraine matter.”

 

The Russian president went on to describe the course of relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as constructive and steadily advancing. He noted that bilateral trade exchanges had grown by 11 percent in the first half of this year, and that cooperation in other areas—such as the construction of the strategic Rasht–Astara railway—was also progressing.

 

Putin further emphasized that cooperation between the two countries on the Bushehr nuclear power plant was proceeding satisfactorily. He stated: “All technical cooperation is being carried out on schedule, and the transfer of new fuel for this plant is underway.”

 

Reiterating Russia’s position, Putin stressed: “For Russia, Iran’s right to enrich uranium is fundamental and unquestionable. I hope the negotiations on Resolution 2231 will also reach a favorable conclusion.”

 

President Pezeshkian, in turn, welcomed the statement by President Putin that the Alaska talks had produced satisfactory outcomes, saying: “I hope the agreements reached will, in practice, lead to a swift resolution of the Ukraine issue.”

 

Pezeshkian noted that he is personally following up on the acceleration of the Rasht–Astara railway project and other bilateral agreements. He added: “Beyond our bilateral relations with Russia, Iran considers regional and international organizations such as the Eurasian Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS as suitable platforms for cooperation with member states, particularly Russia and China, to effectively counter unilateralism.”

 

Reiterating appreciation for Russia’s position on Iran’s right to uranium enrichment, Pezeshkian again stressed: “Based on its religious foundations and defensive doctrine, Iran has never pursued, is not pursuing, and will never pursue nuclear weapons.”

 

The Iranian president also referred to his recent visit to Armenia, stating: “During this trip, the Armenian prime minister assured me that in his country’s recent talks and agreements with Azerbaijan and the United States, the considerations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as Russia, were fully taken into account. With this in mind, I believe the 3+3 dialogue framework, with the participation of Iran and Russia, is a more effective and efficient mechanism for resolving issues in the Caucasus region.”

 

Both presidents also emphasized their desire to further expand cooperation across multiple sectors and agreed to meet during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Moscow, Russia January 17, 2025. Handout / WANA News Agency

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meet in Moscow, Russia, January 17, 2025. Handout / WANA News Agency