Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov signed on Wednesday a comprehensive cooperation program, upholding strategic ties between both countries for the next three years.
The document, drafted following the implementation of the Iran-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Treaty, outlines the program of consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries for the years 2026 to 2028.
Foreign Minister @araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov signed a document outlining cooperation between the two countries' foreign ministries. pic.twitter.com/J2sm4KWI0L
— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) December 17, 2025
In a joint press conference that followed signing the cooperation document in Moscow, Araghchi said: “Today, very close, detailed negotiations were held in all areas, including bilateral, regional and international issues.”
The top Iranian diplomat noted that bilateral relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation have expanded significantly in recent years.
“With the signing of the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between the two countries (signed on 17 January 2025), cooperation has entered a new phase and gained momentum. This agreement has now entered the implementation phase, and the two sides are moving forward based on the vision outlined in it,” the Iranian minister stated.
“Peace Through Force Can’t Be Achieved”
Araghchi stressed, meanwhile, that the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including enrichment, “is Iran’s inalienable right, and this right remains intact despite the attacks.”
In a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Iran's FM @araghchi highlighted transportation cooperation between the two countries, mentioning the north-south corridor and Astara-Rasht projects of significant importance. pic.twitter.com/W26Oc1yVOK
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) December 17, 2025
“As a loyal member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran adheres to all its obligations, but will not waive its legal rights under this treaty.”
He stressed that the strikes during the 12-day US-Israeli war on the Islamic Republic “neither destroyed Iran’s nuclear tech, nor the will” of the Islamic Republic.
“On the international stage, there is also a clear consensus to confront the system of domination, bullying, and double standards of Western countries, especially the United States.”
Araghchi also affirmed that “peace through force cannot be achieved despite the US claims.”
“Russia Supports Iran”
For his part, Lavrov voiced Russia’s readiness to fully support BRICS and stand against the US hegemony.
“We reaffirms once again its willingness to help our Iranian friends in looking for acceptable ways to resolve the nuclear crisis that was created by the Westerners.”
Russia reaffirms once again its willingness to help our Iranian friends in looking for acceptable ways to resolve the nuclear crisis that was created by the Westerners — Lavrov https://t.co/REs20yvUMk pic.twitter.com/KYlUFBnzEf
— RT (@RT_com) December 17, 2025
“BRICS and SCO are organizations of a new type, unlike such NATO or what the EU has turned into. They are trying to subjugate the will of their member states. They talk about themselves ‘like they are the greatest politicians of modern times, not some hired employees’
“Enemies of Iran, Russia are seeking to destroy bilateral relations,” the top Russian diplomat warned.
Meanwhile, Lavrov voiced concern with “US Navy striking civilian boats and a probable land operation,” noting that: “Almost all of the countries find it unacceptable apart from the Europeans.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website