Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has emphasized the longstanding partnership between Tehran and Moscow, describing Russia as "a strong country in the region."
In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Bagheri Kani addressed the question of potential allies in a major conflict, stating, "Iran's bilateral relations with Russia, our neighbor and a strong country in the region, and Iran's bilateral relations with China, an influential international player, span decades. We are making serious efforts to harness the potential of regional countries for the sake of regional peace and stability."
The diplomat highlighted the importance of good-neighborliness in Iran's foreign policy, particularly under the administration of the late President Ebrahim Raisi. "Mutual political trust is a key element in our strategy of strengthening relations with neighbors," Bagheri Kani added.
This sentiment was echoed by Iran's President-elect, Massoud Pezeshkian, who on July 12 referred to Russia as "a valuable strategic ally and neighbor of Iran." Pezeshkian assured that his administration would continue to prioritize bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Moscow, particularly within BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Iranian political scientist and Russia specialist, Prof. Ruhollah Modabber, interpreted Pezeshkian's statements as a signal to the West that attempts to undermine Russian-Iranian relations had been unsuccessful. In a conversation with TASS, Modabber noted that Moscow has consistently supported Tehran and has been developing trade relations to help Iran overcome sanctions.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials