Russia took firm positions during the 12-day war with Israel, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi said in a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev in Tehran on Wednesday.
“The enemy used negotiations as a cover for deception and betrayed diplomacy by starting the war,” Mousavi said.
He said Iran has never initiated war and sees diplomacy as the best way to resolve disputes, but argued that the armed forces had given a strong response to the United States and Israel.
Moscow supports stronger cooperation in both economic and defense fields, the Russian minister said in return.
Pezeshkian stresses partnership
Iran is prepared to expand cooperation with Moscow, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a separate meeting with Tsivilev.
“No barrier stands in the way of Iran-Russia cooperation, and the model of successful cooperation between independent countries like ours will prove that the era of unilateral powers has ended,” Pezeshkian said.
He called joint projects proof that sanctions have not obstructed Tehran. “Growth can be achieved without reliance on unilateral powers,” Pezeshkian added, saying that agreements in transport, energy, and power generation will move forward if ministers and expert teams accelerate implementation.
Iran’s parliament in May approved a 20-year strategic partnership with Russia. The agreement, initially signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pezeshkian on January 17, was ratified by Russia’s State Duma in April.
While the pact does not include a mutual defense clause, it commits both nations to military-technical cooperation, joint exercises, and coordination against what they define as shared threats.
Officials from both governments remain in regular contact to ensure agreements are carried out, Tsivilev said. “No pressure or sanctions can disrupt this process.”
Iranian and Russian officials have repeatedly announced projects on trade, transport, and energy. Many have been delayed or left incomplete because of financial limits and logistical difficulties.