irna, Oct. 19, 2026
Speaking at a joint press conference in Tehran on Monday following talks with Lavrov, Araghchi described their meeting as very important, intensive, and fruitful talks,
saying bilateral relations have taken on new dimensions following the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. The two sides discussed regional and international developments, as well as practical ways to expand political, cultural and trade relations, Araghchi said, adding that economic cooperation is progressing well.
Tehran, IRNA – Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Tehran were intensive and productive, focusing on bilateral relations as well as key regional and international developments.Iran, Russia agree regional issues have no military solution
Araghchi noted that Iran and Russia maintain close cooperation and consultations on regional issues and have exchanged views on developments in the Persian Gulf, West Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the Iran-US negotiations, as well as developments in Ukraine.
“Our shared view is that regional issues have no military solution and must be pursued through political means,” the top Iranian diplomat said.
“We also discussed insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, which we believe stems directly from the US and Israeli military aggression against Iran, launched on February 28 and continuing in various forms. The imposed war and economic blockade are the main sources of insecurity in the region,” he added.
The Iranian foreign minister noted that the two sides have also discussed issues concerning Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen, stressing that the genocide of the Palestinian people and the Israeli regime’s dangerous expansionism in the region must be stopped.
Attacks in Caspian Sea threaten regional security
Referring to the review of shared security challenges, Araghchi said that today’s talks included an in-depth discussion of recent security incidents in the Caspian Sea, including attacks on Iranian and Russian commercial vessels and assaults on port infrastructure in the region.
“We believe that such activities have serious and direct consequences for regional peace and security, while also causing irreparable damage to the fragile marine environment of the Caspian Sea”, he added.
Iran, Russia stress need to de-escalate tensions between Afghanistan, Pakistan
Regarding regional issues, particularly those concerning Iran’s eastern neighbors, he stressed that Tehran and Moscow share a common view on developments in Afghanistan, the need to ease tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, and the importance of coordinated efforts to counter terrorist threats.
Iran, Russia to counter US unilateralism, strengthen multilateralism
Emphasizing the two countries’ shared positions on international affairs, Araghchi said that Tehran and Moscow fundamentally oppose the United States’ aggressive unilateralism and will cooperate within international institutions and forums to strengthen multilateralism and uphold the principles of international law.
In this regard, he added, coordination between Tehran and Moscow within key frameworks, including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), would continue vigorously.
Araghchi blames Europe for miscalculations, complicity in war against Iran, urges diplomacy
The top Iranian diplomat added that Europe must face reality, saying that, like the US, European countries suffer from miscalculations and misconceptions and that their misguided policies have contributed to many of the world’s wars and problems.
Araghchi said Western policies had prolonged the war in Ukraine and that their unconditional support for the Israeli regime had contributed to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. He added that the war against Iran was launched based on a major miscalculation, as its initiators expected Iran to surrender within days but had remained mired in the conflict for nine months without finding a way out.
Iran’s foreign minister blamed European countries for complicity in the war against Iran, citing the use of European airbases by US fighter jets and France’s support for the conflict. He said Europe’s economic and social crises stem from its own policies, despite European governments denying responsibility for the war.
Araghchi said the US had failed to achieve its objectives in the war against Iran and urged European countries to abandon double standards and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional issues, warning against fueling a civilizational war.
Russia committed to strategic partnership with Iran: Lavrov
Lavrov emphasized Moscow's adherence to its comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Tehran, saying Russia has demonstrated in practice that it honors its commitments under the deal and has countered efforts at the United Nations to justify aggression against Iran.
Lavrov said he fully endorsed the “precise assessments” of his “friend and colleague” Araghchi, describing their talks as “highly fruitful, transparent and frank.”
“Despite the developments and pressures whose dimensions you are all aware of, our common will is based on moving comprehensive cooperation between Iran and Russia forward with dynamism and strength,” he said.
The Russian diplomat added that the two sides now possess solid foundations for advancing ties, particularly with the entry into force of the recent treaty that for the first time formally defined the level of Tehran-Moscow relations as a “comprehensive strategic” partnership.
He expressed hope that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian would travel to Russia in the coming days to participate in the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow.
Emphasizing Moscow’s commitment to its obligations, Lavrov said Russia has no intention of retreating from implementing its fundamental agreements with Iran in the economic and investment sectors.
