WANA (Jun 05) – Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon visit Tehran, highlighting a significant upgrade in Tehran-Moscow relations following the enforcement of the Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union and the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.

 

Speaking during a meeting at the Iranian Embassy in Moscow with a group of prominent Russian Iranologists, Jalali said high-level exchanges between Iranian and Russian officials have intensified, reflecting a shift toward strategic cooperation.

 

On the topic of Iran–U.S. relations, Jalali addressed questions regarding the ongoing indirect negotiations with Washington, stressing that the outcome remains uncertain.

 

He stated, “Predicting the future is difficult, but we are very sensitive about Iran’s right to enrichment. If the Americans seek to eliminate that right, the talks will hit a dead end. However, if they recognize it, issues can gradually be resolved.” He also emphasized that the recent remarks by the Supreme Leader were clear and firm on the issue.

Russian scholars meeting with Kazem Jalali, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Strategic Developments in Iran-Russia Economic Cooperation

Jalali underlined the importance of the now-operational free trade pact with the Eurasian bloc and ongoing projects such as the potential transit of Russian gas through Iran and the acquisition of 50,000 hectares of land along the Rasht-Astara railway route. This land will be transferred to Russia for geological surveying in preparation for completing the International North-South Transport Corridor.

 

He also highlighted progress in financial cooperation, announcing that the Russian “MIR” and Iranian “Shetab” banking networks have been linked. This development facilitates financial transactions for small-scale traders, Iranian students in Russia, and tourists, with further expansion planned.

 

Russia to Invest $8 Billion in Iranian Gas Fields

Jalali announced that Russia plans to invest $8 billion in Iran’s gas sector, with nearly $5 billion already finalized. He noted that in 2024, Russia became the largest foreign investor in Iran, especially in oil and gas development projects.

 

Meeting with Leading Russian Iranologists

The event was attended by renowned Russian scholars, including Vladimir Sazhin, Nina Mamedova, Irina Fyodorova, Arabajan, Anastasia Abukhova, Lana Ravandi, and Sanbela Sultanova. Iranian officials Ali Mohaqqeq, Research Counselor, and Masoud Ahmadvand, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, were also present.

 

Jalali described Iranologists as a valuable asset in promoting mutual understanding. “The development of bilateral relations hinges on how well our people know one another. Your scholarly work is vital to this goal,” he said.

Russian scholars meeting with Kazem Jalali, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Remembering Imam Khomeini’s Global Vision

Marking the 36th anniversary of Imam Khomeini’s passing, Jalali referred to the recent remarks of the Supreme Leader, noting that the late Imam initiated a fundamental transformation not only in Iran but across the region and the world.

 

Jalali recalled Iran’s former leader, Imam Khomeini’s letter to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev as a sign of his insight into global affairs and his interest in relations with Russia and Eurasia. “That letter was unprecedented. Imam never wrote to U.S. presidents,” Jalali emphasized.

 

Trump’s Push for ‘Zero Enrichment’ Was a Mistake

Iranologist Vladimir Sazhin, who was in Tehran during Imam Khomeini’s funeral, recalled the millions who gathered for the farewell. Speaking on Iran–U.S. nuclear talks, he criticized President Donald Trump’s demand to eliminate Iranian enrichment entirely.

 

“The NPT sets no limits on enrichment level. Even 90% is permitted,” he said, adding that Trump, as a businessman, viewed the issue transactionally to gain concessions.

 

“Iran Matters to Us,” Says Mamedova

Nina Mamedova, head of the Iran Department at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said, “We are Iranologists. Beyond politics, what matters to us is Iran itself.”

 

Other Iranologists also raised questions and suggestions on expanding cultural and economic cooperation, which were addressed by Ambassador Jalali.