Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to hold talks in Moscow on Wednesday with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The ministers are expected to discuss security in the Caspian region, the future of Iran’s nuclear program, and a wide range of international issues.
Regional security is expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Ahead of Araghchi’s visit, Lavrov noted that Moscow sees “destructive plans by the West to divide the Caspian Five — Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan — and impose its own decisions on the region.” In an interview with TASS, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali also underscored the significance of this dialogue, noting that the ministers would address the situation in the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Caspian Sea and Afghanistan.
The Afghan issue, he added, is likely to be explored further at an upcoming meeting in Ashgabat of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, which Tehran plans to host soon.
Focus on the Nuclear Issue
Araghchi is expected to devote particular attention to Iran’s nuclear program. Russia’s position on this issue is well known: as Lavrov has repeatedly stated, Moscow has “consistently supported Tehran” in the negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program.
The Russian minister noted that Moscow had tried to work with European partners to persuade Washington to return to fulfilling its commitments under the deal. However, Europeans “chose instead to blame Iran and trigger the ‘snapback’ mechanism.” Despite what Lavrov described as Western negotiators’ bad faith, he has urged Tehran to avoid taking drastic steps — including talk of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The topic is expected to feature prominently in today’s talks.
“We have shared with our Iranian friends some of our ideas on how to move forward, and under what conditions to restore relations with the IAEA and Western countries, should they wish to re-engage,” Lavrov said ahead of the talks. “But of course, the final decision rests with the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Other International Topics
The ministers are also expected to touch upon US President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts regarding Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. In October, Israel and Hamas, with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Turkey, reached an agreement to implement the first stage of Trump’s peace plan. A ceasefire in Gaza took effect on October 10, with Israeli forces pulling back to the so‑called “yellow line,” retaining control over more than half of the enclave.
However, before the transition to the plan’s second phase, both Israel and Hamas accused each other repeatedly of violating the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet have also declared that “no Palestinian state will be established,” a position which, in Lavrov’s view, casts “serious doubt on the further implementation of this peace plan.”
Progress on Trump’s Ukrainian peace initiative has likewise been slow. US envoys continue consultations with Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to bring the sides closer, but even a draft framework agreement remains distant. Lavrov has said that Russia has shared with Washington additional proposals concerning collective security guarantees, which will likely be discussed during the meeting.
Bilateral Agenda
According to Russia’s foreign ministry, Lavrov and Araghchi will also examine the bilateral agenda, reviewing the implementation of agreements reached at the presidential level — including the meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat on December 12 and in Tianjin on September 1.
“In view of preparations for the 19th session of the Permanent Russian‑Iranian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Iran in February 2026, special attention will be paid to boosting bilateral trade and advancing major joint projects in energy and transport,” the ministry said. “Steps are also being taken to resist unilateral coercive measures and to build a settlement infrastructure immune to external pressure.”
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS