Iran, Russia Sign Foreign Ministry Cooperation Program for 2026–2028
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov signed a cooperation document on Wednesday following talks in Moscow, further deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.
The document outlines a program of consultations between the foreign ministries of Iran and Russia for the period 2026–2028. It was drafted within the framework of the Iran–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Treaty, which entered its implementation phase earlier this year.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the signing, Araghchi said the two sides held “very close and detailed negotiations” covering bilateral, regional and international issues. He noted that relations between Tehran and Moscow have expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in 2025.
“With the signing of the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement on January 17, 2025, cooperation has entered a new phase and gained momentum,” Araghchi said, adding that the new program would serve as a roadmap for cooperation over the next three years.
He highlighted growing economic ties, especially in energy, transport and transit, with progress on the strategic North–South Transport Corridor and its Rasht–Astara section. Araghchi also said bilateral trade is increasing and that the next Joint Economic Commission meeting, involving 17 specialized working groups, will be held in February.
On nuclear issues, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), stressing that Tehran would not relinquish its legal rights, including the peaceful use of nuclear energy and uranium enrichment. He said recent US and Israeli attacks damaged some facilities but failed to undermine Iran’s indigenous nuclear technology or political will.
Araghchi added that Iran and Russia also discussed regional issues, including the war in Gaza, and stressed that “peace through force cannot be achieved,” despite US claims.
Lavrov, for his part, said Russia is ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and to oppose what he described as US hegemony. He accused the “enemies” of both countries of seeking to undermine Iran–Russia relations and criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for failing to take a clear stance on US-Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
