TEHRAN – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow is steadfast in its commitment to finalize a comprehensive long-term cooperation agreement with Iran.

During a press conference on Tuesday at the conclusion of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Council meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Lavrov confirmed that the process is progressing as planned.

"Despite the draft text of the state cooperation agreement between Iran and Russia being fully agreed upon, it cannot yet be signed," Lavrov noted. 

The agreement still requires approval from the presidents of both countries, he explained. "The signing on the Iranian side necessitates completing certain legal procedures related to the contract's contents." 

Lavrov emphasized that these procedures are currently pending but assured that Moscow reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement during a meeting with Iran's interim Foreign Minister, Ali Baqeri Kani. 

"Signing this agreement will elevate Tehran-Moscow relations to a significantly new level," Lavrov stated. 

The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Council meeting, held on Monday and Tuesday, included participation from senior diplomats of member countries.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the ongoing work on the comprehensive strategic agreement, acknowledging that domestic elections and governmental processes in Iran might cause delays but would not alter the fundamental direction of the agreement. "Overall, the process is ongoing. However, given the current situation in Tehran and preparations for the presidential elections, the timeline will be slightly delayed," Peskov stated.

"We intend to further develop our relations with Iran and enhance the legal framework between the two countries," Peskov emphasized.

Zamir Kabulov, the Russian presidential envoy for Afghanistan, also commented on the strategic cooperation agreement, highlighting that it remains a priority for the leaders of both countries despite recent events. 

"The Iran-Russia strategic agreement is not related to recent events as it is a strategic decision by the leaders of both countries," Kabulov stated, referring to the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter incident on May 19.

Kabulov noted that the work on the agreement had been temporarily suspended due to challenges faced by Iranian partners but expressed confidence in its eventual completion. 

Iran-Russia agreement is in progress: envoy

The Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, also confirmed that the finalization of the Iran-Russia strategic agreement is progressing smoothly and according to the plan. 

He denied claims that Iran had suspended the agreement, clarifying that the process is on track and unfolding as expected. "The reports about the suspension of the bilateral cooperation agreement are incorrect and stem from inaccurate translations of Russian officials' statements," Jalali wrote on the social media platform X on Tuesday.

Jalali further said efforts to finalize the agreement have been ongoing for two years. The ambassador explained that the draft needs to be reviewed and coordinated with various institutions within Iran, a process that naturally requires time. "Our aim has been, and continues to be, to have this agreement signed by the officials of both countries in 2024."

Jalali added that the text of the agreement is currently under review in Iran, expressing hope that the relevant institutions will respond promptly to ensure that the agreement is ready for signing. 

He referred to the recent meeting between Foreign Minister Lavrov and interim Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting. "Yesterday, Lavrov, in his meeting with Baqeri Kani, emphasized the need for both countries to sign this agreement as soon as possible," Jalali concluded.

The strategic agreement between Iran and Russia is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields. The ongoing negotiations and coordination efforts underscore the importance both nations place on formalizing their strategic partnership. As the process moves forward, the anticipation is that the finalized agreement will significantly boost diplomatic and economic ties between Tehran and Moscow.