Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone conversation on Monday, focusing on bilateral relations, Iran’s nuclear program, regional cooperation, and Putin’s recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska.

According to a statement released by the Iranian Presidency, President Pezeshkian welcomed the results of the Alaska talks, expressing hope that the negotiations would contribute to a swift resolution of the Ukraine crisis.

Pezeshkian also pledged to personally oversee the expedited construction of the Rasht–Astara railway, a key component of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), linking the Persian Gulf to Russia and Central Asia. He stressed the importance of completing this project, alongside other bilateral agreements with Moscow, to further deepen economic and strategic ties.

The Iranian president underscored the role of regional and international platforms such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS in countering unilateralism and strengthening cooperation with Russia and China. He also highlighted his recent visit to Armenia, where he said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reassured him that Iran’s concerns were taken into account in Yerevan’s dealings with Azerbaijan and the United States. Pezeshkian reiterated his support for the “3+3” regional dialogue framework—including Iran, Russia, and neighboring states—as a mechanism for addressing Caucasus-related disputes.

For his part, President Putin outlined the key outcomes of his summit with President Trump in Alaska, noting that progress was made toward resolving the Ukraine conflict. He described Russian-Iranian relations as “constructive and steadily improving,” pointing to an 11 percent increase in trade between the two countries in the first half of 2025.

Putin highlighted ongoing joint projects, including advancements in the Rasht–Astara railway and continued cooperation at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where the transfer of new fuel is currently underway. He reaffirmed Russia’s strong support for Iran’s right to uranium enrichment, describing it as “a key and essential aspect” of the strategic partnership.

The Russian president also expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations regarding UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which underpins the 2015 nuclear deal, would conclude favorably.

The phone call reflects both sides’ growing emphasis on deepening economic, political, and security cooperation, while also coordinating their positions on broader regional and global issues. (ILKHA)