Russia’s FM in Iran seeks closer ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pushed for stronger ties with Iran during a visit this week. Russia’s state media said that the Russian official “discussed expanding bilateral cooperation within high-level agreements in Tehran.” 

Russia and Iran have been increasingly cooperating. Iran recently was able to get out from under sanctions on its missile program and is looking to expand its defense imports and exports. Iran is also threatening Israel, the US and the region via its proxies. Iran also exports drones to Russia and Russia uses the drones against Ukraine.  

"The current bilateral agenda was thoroughly discussed, with an emphasis on the further development of the entire complex of the multifaceted Russian-Iranian partnership in accordance with the agreements reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi," the Russian foreign minister statement said. 

The Russian state media details were general about the meeting in Tehran on Monday. “The parties highlighted the implementation of joint projects in the fields of energy and logistics, including the full launch of the North-South international transport corridor. Additional steps to further strengthen Russian-Iranian ties have been agreed,” the Russian foreign ministry said. 

Russia supports 2015 Iran deal

The two countries also slammed the West. Russia also said it supported the 2015 Iran deal. “The parties condemned the steps taken by its Western participants, which contradict UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The parties reiterated that there is no alternative to the corresponding international agreement from 2015," the statement said. 

Meanwhile Iran’s Defense Minister also warned “enemies” not to test Iran. In a long statement that was also general he emphasized the importance of technology for improving Iran’s defenses.