Russian Ambassador: No Cooperation on Sanctions Committee Against Iran
WANA (Nov 01) – Alexey Yurievich Dedov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Tehran, in an interview, rejected the legitimacy of Western efforts to activate the so-called “snapback” mechanism and stated that Moscow will not cooperate in forming any sanctions committee or panel against Iran.
Dedov emphasized that, according to Russia, “the activation of the snapback mechanism by Western countries is illegal and unacceptable,” adding: “Such a committee can only be formed based on a Security Council resolution, and given the presence of permanent members like China and Russia, I doubt this sabotaging project can be implemented.”
Iran: A Priority in Russia’s Foreign Policy
The Russian ambassador stated that Iran is one of the main priorities in Moscow’s foreign policy, saying: “Iran is an independent country with no dependencies on the international stage and plays an important role in regional developments and in shaping a multipolar world order.”
Referring to Moscow’s support for Iran’s full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, joining BRICS, and a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, he added: “The relations between the two countries are strategic and defined based on shared interests and a long-term vision.”
Putin Signs Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty with Iran
WANA (Apr 21) – Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law yesterday the treaty on a comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This treaty, previously approved by the State Duma on April 7, 2025, and by the Federation Council on April 15, has now been officially enacted with […]
Iran–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty
Dedov recalled the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Tehran and Moscow on January 17, 2025, stating: “This treaty has recently come into force, and the presidents of both countries have emphasized full implementation of its provisions. Despite global developments, the path of Iran–Russia cooperation will not change.”
He also pointed to the expansion of cultural cooperation between the two countries, mentioning the successful holding of the “Russian Cultural Week in Iran” and plans for “Iranian Cultural Days in Russia.” According to him, the presence of an Iranian delegation headed by the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance at the “United Cultures” conference in Saint Petersburg, and the participation of Iranian works in the “Diamond Butterfly” film festival in Moscow, indicate the expansion of cultural interactions between the two nations.
Development of Economic Cooperation
The Russian ambassador acknowledged that economic cooperation between the two countries has not yet reached a desirable level, attributing the main reason to the lack of trade infrastructure and limited awareness among business actors.
However, he noted significant progress in recent years, stating: “The integration of the MIR and Shetab payment systems and the start of MIR card acceptance in Iran is an important step in facilitating financial relations. Russia is also participating in financing the Rasht–Astara railway project, which is part of the North–South international transport corridor.”
Iran and Russia Strengthen Dedollarization with Banking Network Integration
WANA (Nov 13) – International media report that Iran and Russia have intensified efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar and conduct trade in their national currencies as a strategy against U.S. sanctions. Al Jazeera, in a report titled “Russia’s Mir Network in Iran…Will it replace the Swift system?,” noted that the integration of […]
According to Dedov, the volume of trade between the two countries grew by more than 16 percent last year, and the joint economic commission has played a key role in achieving this trend.
Military and Defense Cooperation Within International Law
Referring to defense and military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, he said: “All of this cooperation is carried out in accordance with international law and will never be directed against the interests of a third country.”
Potential Mediation in Iran–U.S. Relations
In another part of the interview, Dedov announced Russia’s full readiness to help normalize relations between Iran and the United States, stating: “We are aware of the indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, and if requested, we are ready to assist.” He also mentioned Oman’s positive mediation role and said that Iran is satisfied with this process.
Support for Holding the Caspian Leaders’ Summit in Tehran
In response to a question about Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Iran, the Russian ambassador stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s proposal to host the Caspian leaders’ summit in August 2026 has received full support from Russia. He added: “President Putin’s attendance at this summit will be subject to the approval of the other leaders of the Caspian littoral states.”
Russian MiG-29 Fighter Jets Arrive in Iran
WANA (Sep 23) – Abolfazl Zohrevand, member of Iran’s Parliament National Security Commission, announced that Russian MiG-29 fighter jets have entered Iran as a short-term solution, while Su-35 fighters will gradually be delivered for long-term needs. In an interview, Zohrevand, a representative of Tehran in the 12th Parliament, emphasised that the MiG-29 jets are […]
Dedov emphasized that Russia, China, and Iran cooperate closely to counter Western efforts to revive rescinded Security Council resolutions, and given the current structure of the Security Council, “such a project is doomed to fail.”
Progress in Nuclear Cooperation and Signing of New Documents
Referring to the recent visit of Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, to Moscow, the Russian ambassador said: “This visit took place within the framework of the World Nuclear Energy Week, during which several important documents were signed between specialized companies from both countries.”
According to him, these documents include a memorandum of understanding for constructing small modular reactors (SMRs) and the Iran–Hormuz nuclear power plant project, which comprises four 1,250-megawatt reactors valued at over $25 billion.
“These agreements were signed between Iran Hormuz Company and the Russian REP Company and will pave the way for developing strategic cooperation between the two countries in the nuclear energy sector.”
Iran and Russia Sign MoU on Small Modular Reactors Construction
WANA (Sep 24) – The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the development and construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Iran. The MoU was signed during a visit by Mohammad Eslami, Vice President of Iran […]
Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Construction Despite Sanctions Continues
The Russian ambassador added: “The Bushehr nuclear power plant project is active, and its first unit, delivered in 2015, has so far produced more than 74 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.”
Emphasizing that Iran–Russia cooperation in this field continues despite pressures and sanctions, he stated: “The second and third units of Bushehr are being constructed jointly, and we expect these two units to be completed soon, with their electricity added to Iran’s national grid.”
Diplomatic Meetings and the Focus on Syria
In another part of the interview, the ambassador referred to the visit of Alexander Lavrentiev, the Russian president’s special envoy for Syria, to Tehran, saying: “Mr. Lavrentiev met with senior Iranian officials, including the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the Foreign Minister, and held productive talks on developments in Syria.”
Referring to the recent visit of Ahmed Al-Shara to Moscow and his meeting with the Russian president, he added: “Syrian officials have expressed their full readiness to improve and normalize relations with the Russian Federation, and several economic projects are under review. Iran also has active economic projects in Syria, and this cooperation has a very promising outlook.”
Russian Presidential Envoy for Syria Meets Iranian Foreign Minister
WANA (Oct 20) – Alexander Lavrentiev, the Special Envoy of the President of Russia for Syrian Affairs, who is visiting Tehran for consultations with Iranian officials, met with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday evening. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Syria, […]
Bright Prospects for Normalizing Iran–Syria Relations
In response to a question about the possibility of expanding the Astana process with China’s participation, the ambassador said: “Predicting such a development is difficult, but there is a very realistic and positive prospect for normalizing relations between the current Syrian government and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Whenever these relations reach a practical level, Russia will also act to facilitate and support this process.”
Economic Relations Based on Cooperation, Not Competition
In another part of the interview, regarding economic similarities between the two countries and the possibility of competition in the global energy market, he said: “Currently, there is no specific competition between Iran and Russia. Global demand for energy carriers is very high, and the two countries are interacting in a balanced manner in this sector.”
External Pressures Do Not Affect Tehran–Moscow Relations
Responding to concerns from some Iranians about the possibility of Russia making concessions to the U.S. regarding Iran, the ambassador emphasized: “Iran–Russia relations are based on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, and Moscow will never deviate from this path under foreign pressure.”
Joint Letter by Iran, Russia, and China on Ending Resolution 2231
WANA (Oct 18) – The ambassadors of Iran, Russia, and China to the United Nations have sent a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council regarding the termination of Resolution 2231. In this letter, the three countries described the recent move by the European trio (the UK, France, […]
He noted: “In addition to nuclear cooperation, the two countries have multiple projects in transport, logistics, construction of the Rasht–Astara railway, and the North–South international corridor. No external pressure can hinder the progress of these cooperations.”
Alignment of Tehran and Moscow on Palestine
Finally, regarding developments in Gaza, the Russian ambassador stated: “Russia and Iran share close views on regional issues, especially regarding Palestine. We strongly condemn violence and bloodshed in the Gaza Strip and consider a two-state solution as the basis for a political and diplomatic resolution of the Middle East crisis.”
