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Geopolitics · Iran · Middle East · Russia
Russia and Iran are significantly expanding their bilateral ties, with top advisors and state media confirming increased cooperation across diplomatic, economic, and security domains, aiming to challenge the US-led global order.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's top advisor, Ali Akbar Velayati, confirmed expanding ties following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iran. Velayati met with Putin's special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, discussing regional development, the war in Gaza, and conflicts in Lebanon and Syria, as reported by Iran's state media IRNA.
Iran seeks to leverage these ties for a more pro-Iranian stance from Russia regarding Israel. Both nations believe closer relations can disrupt the US-led world order established in the 1990s.
Iranian state media highlighted Velayati's emphasis on stopping "Zionist regime's crimes" and aggression against Lebanon and Syria, backed by the US. Lavrentiev expressed satisfaction and stressed strengthening relations.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also visited Iran, and Iranian Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati held talks with Russian counterpart Maxim Reshetnikov to boost economic ties, according to IRNA. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also on a diplomatic offensive, visiting Qatar after addressing the UN General Assembly.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is a regime loyalist and relentless negotiator.
