Mohammad Reza Aref, the First Vice President, during a meeting with Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, emphasized the necessity of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and stated that the United States is the cause of the current conditions in this strait.
Regional Developments and Their Impact on Iran-Russia Relations
Aref mentioned the recent developments in the region and the military aggressions of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran, stating that these actions are part of the grand plan of the United States and the Zionist regime to weaken independent countries, including Iran and Russia, and impose unilateralism. He reiterated: "We have no choice but to assert sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz to ensure our security."
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He also emphasized that ships used to pass through this strait in the past, and now the United States, as the creator of the current conditions, must bear the costs. Aref expressed hope that under Iran's sovereignty, safe and peaceful passage for the ships of friendly countries through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured.
Development of Cultural and Economic Relations Between Iran and Russia
Furthermore, the First Vice President referred to Ukraine's efforts to expand the war to the Caspian Sea and said: "The aim of this action was to sow discord and sever relations between Iran and Russia." Aref emphasized the need to prevent the Caspian Sea from becoming a center of insecurity and also highlighted the importance of developing Iranian and Russian ports in this sea for the transfer of 17 million tons of goods.
He stressed that completing transportation routes by rail, road, and sea in the region is a necessity for friendly countries, and the Islamic Republic of Iran has prioritized this issue. Aref also pointed to the importance of expanding cultural cooperation between Tehran and Moscow and expressed hope that holding cultural events and developing tourism would help expand relations between the two countries in other areas.
Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, also emphasized in this meeting that the relations between Tehran and Moscow are based on good neighborliness and cooperation, and he strongly condemned the military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran. He also stressed the will of both countries to develop trade and economic relations, stating: "Despite the oppressive sanctions, relations between Iran and Russia have expanded, and major projects in the fields of energy, agriculture, industry, and the development of transportation corridors are being pursued." Mishustin also emphasized the importance of developing cultural relations between the two countries and added: "Recently, Iran's cultural week was held in Russia, and the activities of the Russian cultural center in Iran have also resumed."
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