Tehran’s Position on Gulf Islands Shared with Moscow in Open, Diplomatic Talks
In a series of discreet, high-level exchanges, Iran requested that the Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy relay Tehran’s official stance on the disputed Gulf islands to Moscow. The dialogue occurred in what officials described as a “friendly atmosphere,” reflecting the ongoing channels of diplomatic communication between Tehran and Moscow, as reported by RBC and the Russian Embassy. The exchange underscores Tehran’s determination to keep the lines of dialogue with Russia open while pursuing a position on the contested islands in the Persian Gulf.
The most visible outcome of these discussions, according to the embassy, is the reaffirmation of the deep and multifaceted ties that bind Russia and Iran. In addition to political alignment, the two countries are moving toward concrete economic engagement, with a free trade agreement anticipated between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Iran on December 25. This development signals a broadening partnership that encompasses trade, industry, and strategic cooperation, reinforcing the sense that Russia and Iran are aligning on multiple fronts beyond the bilateral political arena. The embassy also noted the planned inauguration of a monument dedicated to Rasul Gamzatov, the renowned Soviet-Russian poet, in Tehran, a symbol of cultural ties that accompany the evolving political and economic relationship. [Source: Russian Embassy press release]
On the sidelines of these discussions, officials said talks are continuing between Russian State Minister and Deputy Minister of the Russian Emergencies Ministry Alexey Serko and their Iranian counterparts. The dialogue focuses on cooperation and mutual assistance, with both sides expressing a shared interest in expanding practical collaboration. Such conversations are framed as continuing efforts to deepen practical support areas, including emergency response coordination and related capabilities, which could yield tangible benefits for both nations in terms of preparedness and regional stability. [Cited: Russian government updates]
In another development, Iran’s Foreign Ministry, speaking through the Charge d’affaires at the Russian Embassy, addressed the statement by a Russian representative concerning the disputed islands. In response to the joint statement issued by participants of the sixth Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum, which called for a peaceful settlement of the dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, Tehran issued a formal protest note. The incident underscores the sensitivity of the issue in regional diplomacy and the careful balancing acts undertaken by both sides to avoid escalation while pursuing a peaceful resolution. [Documentation: Iranian Foreign Ministry records]
Earlier reports highlight the logistical hurdles that complicate Russia’s trade with Iran, a factor that has implications for the pace and scope of economic cooperation. The combination of political dialogue, economic arrangements, and cultural exchange suggests a deliberate, multi-layered approach to sustaining and expanding bilateral relations despite regional tensions. Analysts note that these threads of diplomacy—consular dialogue, trade negotiations, cultural symbolism, and emergency cooperation—collectively shape the trajectory of Moscow-Tehran relations in the near term. [Analyst assessments]”