Akbar Godali, head of the TPO’s Central Asia, Caucasus and Russia offices, reported a significant increase in trade exchanges between Iran and Russia, saying, “Given current trends and forecasting trade plans, Iran’s exports to Russia are expected to reach around $1.4 billion by the current Iranian calendar year, 1404 (March 20).”
“This was around $1.1 billion at the end of 1403 (March 2025) our country’s exports to Russia,” the official added.
He further explained that the majority of imports from Russia consisted of grains and oilseeds, accounting for more than 70%, with the rest being production line machines. In contrast, Iran’s exports to Russia include 45% of agricultural products, 37% of industrial products, 10% of petrochemical and polymer products, and about 7-8% of minerals.
In addition to the recent changes in the composition of Iran’s exports, he said: “In 1399 and 1400 (2020-2022), Iran’s exports to Russia were about $500 million. More than 90% of that was made up of fruits and vegetables. 2019.”
In a statement, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that as of October 2, 2025, the Iranian-Russia treaty on comprehensive strategic partnerships is legally binding.
“The conclusions of the treaty reflect the will of the leaders of both countries to further deepen and strengthen relations in all areas of mutual interest, based on mutual respect, neighbors and common interest in all areas of mutual interest,” read the statement.
“The Iran-Russia treaty on comprehensive strategic partnerships is a milestone in the history of relations between the two countries and envisages an upgrade of the heartfelt connections between the two countries in various areas of mutual interest,” the statement also read.
“By specifying the priorities of sectors and cooperation between the two countries, this important document draws a bright framework for strengthening relations in different diplomacy, economy, trade, science, science, science, investment, defense culture and other fields, lays the foundation for coordination and synergy that serves mutual and mutual benefits, and lays the foundation for increased cooperation to promote international peace and security responses, for the battle between international stages and ordinary threats and future expansion of peace and security,” the statement said.
“Recognizing the fundamental importance of protecting the principles and objectives of the UN Charter to protect international peace and security, Iran and Russia cannot afford to make efforts to protect multilateralism and respect for international law, including strengthening cooperation within organizations that adds multilateral mechanisms and statement frameworks and statements.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry has also announced that the treaty will be officially enacted and mark a landmark of bilateral relations.
The Iran-Russia treaty on comprehensive strategic partnerships, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masuud Pezeshkian on January 17, 2025, is a treaty for improving relations between the two countries.
Under this agreement, Iran and Russia aim to significantly strengthen their collaboration across all sectors: defense, energy, finance, transportation, industry, agriculture, culture, science and technology. The treaty marks a turning point and opens a new chapter of the interaction between the two sides.
“The treaty reflects the strategic choices at the highest level of Russian and Iranian political leadership aimed at strengthening comprehensive friendship and good neighbors,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Moscow also emphasizes that this development is a key fork in the history of relations between the two countries, and that it will upgrade the partnership to a new level.
The treaty is considered a reflection of the strategic alignment between Russia and Iran. It aims to support cooperation in all aspects, including the economy and military.
On September 18, Iranian oil minister Mohsen Paknejad met with Tehran’s Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tibilioff and Gazprom’s Alexei Miller to consider economic cooperation and preparation for the next meeting of the Iran-Russian Joint Economic Committee, a press in the oil ministry reported.
Paknejad said discussions continued over the results of the 18th Joint Committee held in Moscow, saying “the results need to be pursued further,” and that both parties reviewed them in detail during the meeting.
He added that some areas of cooperation require revision and further dialogue, which have been discussed and resolved.
At the 19th committee session scheduled to be hosted by Iran, the minister said timing and agenda will also be discussed and announced “at the right time.”
On September 23, Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade, Iran, Minister of Mining and Trade, met Mohammad Atabak’s Mining and Trade Minister of Economy, Maxim Leshetnikov, Russian Economic Development, in Moscow, during the first joint committee session on the implementation of the Iran-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) free trade agreement, reported Tehran Times.
Reshetnikov said 2025 marked a turning point in bilateral economic ties, including signing a comprehensive strategic treaty between Moscow and Tehran, enforcing a free trade agreement with the EAEU, and enforcing Iran’s entry as an observer of the bloc.
He said trade between Iran and Russia rose 35% in May and June 2025 compared to the same period last year, resulting from both countries’ decisions to increase free trade agreements and expand commercial ties.
Reshetnikov reaffirmed his commitment to the letters and spirit of Russia, and expressed his hope for faster progress.
Atabak, accompanied by Iranian ambassador Kazem Jalali, highlighted the role of the private sector in deepening trade, calling for the removal of obstacles such as financial trading restrictions and diverse product standards.
He also highlighted Iran’s commitment to completing Iran’s international North and South Transport Corridor (INSC), saying the foundations for the Rasht Astara Railway have been prepared and construction will begin in the coming months.
Iran and the EAEU signed a free trade agreement in St. Petersburg in December 2023. After ratification by member states, it came into effect in May 2025, eliminating tariffs on approximately 87% of the goods traded.
The EAEU group Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, with Iran, Uzbekistan and Cuba holding observer status.
Iran’s exports to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members rose 20% in the previous Iranian calendar year (ends March 19), reaching more than $2 billion, according to figures released by Iran’s Customs Bureau.
Exports to EAEU countries totaled 5.059 billion tonnes, an increase of 21% compared to the previous year.
The export breakdown includes $1.121 billion to Russia, $55 million to Armenia, $278 million to Kazakhstan, $111 million to Kyrgyzstan and $21 million to Belarus.
Iran also imported 2,174 million tonnes of goods from EAEU member states around the same time, worth $15.1 billion. This means that imports will fall by 39% and its value will be reduced by 20% compared to the previous year.
Iranian officials say steel and petrochemists are expected to account for 50% of targets set under the Iranian Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), highlighting the important role of the sector in promoting exports in the region and energizing trade opportunities.
MNA