TEHRAN – Russia is looking forward to continued and growing cooperation with Iran under its new administration, according to Alexey Dedov, the Russian Ambassador to Iran.

"We congratulate the people and leadership of the Islamic Republic on the successful election," Dedov stated in an interview with TASS. "We expect that under the new cabinet, Russian-Iranian constructive cooperation will continue to grow on all tracks. The Russian side is fully ready for this," he emphasized.

Dedov noted that the recent election was conducted smoothly overall. He also mentioned that foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian.

The second round of Iran's snap presidential election, necessitated by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, was held on July 5. Masoud Pezeshkian, a veteran parliamentarian and former health minister, emerged victorious with 53.6% of the vote, defeating principalist candidate Saeed Jalili, who received 44.3%.

Russia's readiness to enhance cooperation with Iran spans various sectors, highlighting the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. The new administration in Iran is expected to foster this cooperation further, building on the established foundation and addressing mutual interests.

On June 11, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to finalizing a comprehensive long-term cooperation agreement with Iran. During a press conference 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. "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.

Baqeri Kani, in an interview on June 12 on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, pointed out that Iran and Russia are neighboring countries with historical relations. "In recent years, the relations between the two countries have increased, and both countries share similar challenges and threats, promoting several opportunities for cooperation," he said.

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 econs