Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Moscow next week to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional and international developments, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Friday.

In a post on Instagram, Araghchi said the presidential meeting would follow up on discussions held during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Tehran earlier this week.

“Next week, these discussions and consultations will continue in Moscow with the participation of the presidents of both countries,” Araghchi said.

The Iranian foreign minister said he had held extensive talks with Lavrov on bilateral relations and major regional and international issues.

The discussions focused on expanding political and economic cooperation, implementing existing agreements and strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Tehran and Moscow, he added.

The two diplomats also stressed the importance of continued consultations to safeguard their countries’ shared interests and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in January 2025 during Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow, establishing a framework for deeper cooperation across political, economic, security, defense, energy and transportation sectors.

The agreement reflects both countries’ efforts to strengthen bilateral ties amid mounting geopolitical tensions and Western pressure.

Tehran and Moscow have also maintained regular diplomatic contacts on developments across the Middle East and international negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program.

The forthcoming presidential meeting is expected to provide another opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions on shared regional and international challenges.

The talks come amid continued uncertainty over regional security following the US-Israeli war against Iran, which began in late February.

Despite a ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding aimed at finalizing a peace agreement, key issues remain unresolved, including navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway through which a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes.

The situation has raised concerns over regional stability and the potential consequences for global energy markets.

Reports have also suggested that the United States and Israel have considered plans for renewed military strikes against Iran following the US midterm elections.

Against this backdrop, closer coordination between Tehran and Moscow could play an important role in their diplomatic efforts to address regional developments and protect their strategic interests.

No further details about the agenda of next week’s presidential meeting were immediately available. (ILKHA)