Iran, Russia push strategic ties

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of an international forum in Ashgabat to reaffirm and advance a comprehensive strategic partnership agreed earlier in the year. Pezeshkian said Iran is resolved to implement the long-term treaty signed by the two countries and move it into operation, highlighting practical cooperation in power generation, transportation and transit corridors. He said Iran would fully prepare the grounds for implementing the North–South corridor by the end of the year and described agricultural cooperation with Russia as a highly beneficial model that could be expanded to other sectors.

Pezeshkian framed closer ties with Moscow as a necessary response to unilateralism, calling for joint action through international and regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. He expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations and appreciation for Russia’s support for Iran in international forums.

Putin described relations with Iran as developing very positively and noted ongoing discussions on gas and electricity cooperation, as well as close coordination on Iran’s nuclear dossier. He cited existing cooperation on projects including the Bushehr nuclear power plant and infrastructure initiatives tied to the North–South corridor. Putin also highlighted recent trade growth, saying commerce between the two countries rose by 13 percent last year and by a further 8 percent this year.

Both leaders emphasized that expanded cooperation serves as a strategic response to Western sanctions that target Moscow and Tehran, underscoring mutual interest in strengthening economic, energy and transport links while reducing dependence on Western-dominated financial and trade systems. The meeting reflected a convergence of interests: Iran seeks to operationalize agreements and accelerate project implementation, while Russia pursues alternative partnerships to offset international isolation.

The encounter in Ashgabat was among Pezeshkian’s first high-profile foreign meetings since assuming office and signaled Tehran’s intent to maintain and deepen its strategic alignment with Moscow. Officials said progress on joint projects and expanded ministerial-level engagement are expected in the months ahead, including reciprocal visits aimed at sustaining momentum.