Iran, Russia Hold High-Level Talks in Moscow on Bilateral, Regional Issues

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, held high-level talks in Moscow on Wednesday, focusing on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The meeting took place at the ceremonial building of the Russian Foreign Ministry, with both ministers heading delegations from their respective countries. The talks commenced shortly after their arrival, underscoring the ongoing close diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Moscow.

At the outset, Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed appreciation for the Russian invitation and echoed Lavrov’s remarks on the continuity and depth of bilateral consultations. “Our consultations have always been continuous and close, at all levels,” he said, highlighting the steady expansion of Iran–Russia relations.

Referring to the growing ties between the two countries, Araghchi noted that comprehensive and multidimensional cooperation between Tehran and Moscow is deepening on a daily basis. He pointed out that over the past one and a half years, the presidents of Iran and Russia have met five times, while he and Lavrov have also held regular meetings in Moscow, Tehran, and other international venues.

“Today we have the opportunity to review the details of relations and exchange views on regional and international issues,” the Iranian foreign minister said. He also thanked Russia for its support during what he described as the 12-day imposed war in June this year, expressing appreciation for Moscow’s stance in condemning U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and for showing solidarity with the Iranian people.

For his part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed Araghchi to Moscow and emphasized the importance of recent milestones in bilateral relations. He described the signing and implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Treaty as the most significant development in Iran–Russia relations this year.

Lavrov praised the expanding cooperation between the two countries across various fields and announced that the current meeting would, for the first time, result in drafting a structured program of consultations between the Russian and Iranian Foreign Ministries for the period 2026–2028.

Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Tuesday at the head of a delegation, following the conclusion of his visit to Belarus, to hold talks with Lavrov as well as a number of Russian political and parliamentary officials.