Russian State News Agency Reports Suspension of New Cooperation Agreement with Iran

On Tuesday, the Russian state news agency reported, citing a Russian Foreign Ministry official, that a new agreement between Moscow and Tehran regarding comprehensive cooperation has been temporarily suspended due to issues faced by the 'Iranian partners.' According to Reuters, Zamir Kabulov, a Russian Foreign Ministry official, stated, 'This is a strategic decision by the leadership of both countries. This process has been halted due to the problems our Iranian partners are facing.' In this context, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidential office, stated that work on the comprehensive strategic agreement between the two countries continues, noting that 'the holding of elections and internal government processes in Iran may delay this process, but it will not change the essence of the story.' Previously, Kazem Jalali, the Islamic Republic's ambassador in Moscow, emphasized Tehran's commitment to developing bilateral relations, stating, 'Preparations for signing the comprehensive and long-term strategic cooperation agreement between the two countries will be made after the presidential elections in Iran.' In recent years, Russia and Iran have established close relations, claiming to work towards establishing what they call a 'fairer multipolar world order' against what they perceive as 'destructive U.S. foreign policy.' Work on a 'big new agreement' between Moscow and Tehran was announced during the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Ebrahim Raisi in September 2022. Ebrahim Raisi stated on September 15 that the new major contract between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia would lead to the 'rise of bilateral relations.' The official presidential website reported that a large delegation of Russian business representatives, including 80 companies, would travel to Tehran the following week. Iranian media have described Russia's presence in economic projects, including oil and gas, as Russia's plan to contain Iran in competitive markets. The 'Tejarat News' website reported on December 25, 2021, regarding negotiations between the two countries for a 20-year agreement, stating that Russia's economic interests in proximity to Iran are somewhat clear. It was reported that during the exploration of the 'Chalus gas field,' this field was said to elevate Iran to the top position in terms of natural gas resources globally, prompting the Russians to step forward and promise to export from this gas field to Europe, so to speak, to have the 'export lion' of Iran's gas to Europe in their hands. This report, like others, mentioned Iran's policy of returning to an 'eastward look' after nearly a decade. The U.S. Secretary of State in Ukraine: China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and North Korea are providing military assistance to Russia. Russia says it is working on a 'big new agreement' with the Islamic Republic. Reuters: Three European powers detailed violations of the nuclear agreement by the Islamic Republic in a letter to the Security Council. Putin's full defense of the JCPOA: If the West continues this process, the Islamic Republic may no longer adhere to its nuclear commitments. Raisi traveled to Russia for 'consultations' with Putin regarding the 'cessation of bombing in Gaza.' The Kremlin: Putin discussed 'sensitive issues' in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.