TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the strategic agreement between Iran and Russia marks an important moment in both countries’ efforts to ensure their sovereignty and resist external pressure from powers with expansionist ambitions. That’s what I say.
In an exclusive interview with Russian TV Channel 1, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is a long-established country and is not shaped by the frameworks and desires of those who seek to impose their will on the region.
“We are here to stay,” he declared, stressing that the comprehensive agreement signed with Russia demonstrates a long-term partnership and commitment to regional stability.
Pezeshkian elaborated on the details of the agreement, which covers 47 articles addressing political, security and economic cooperation between the two countries.
On January 17, the Iranian president and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin sealed the deal in an official signing ceremony in Moscow. The deal is structured into several key areas, with the first 12-13 sections focusing on security and political issues, and the remaining sections addressing economic collaboration, including energy, infrastructure and trade initiatives. is.
The treaty is based on the first Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries in 2001. Efforts to devise a new agreement began in 2019 and ended in July 2024.
“The goal is to foster cooperation in a wide range of areas,” Pezeshkian explained, noting the importance of the commitment to work together for peace, security and development in the region.
As highlighted by Pezeshkian, one of the key aspects of the agreement is a commitment to mutual defense in the event of an attack against either country.
He confirmed that the agreement stipulates that neither Iran nor Russia will cooperate with outside forces in the face of attack, demonstrating deeper strategic security alignment between the two countries.
“This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership,” he said, adding that further negotiations are expected to expand cooperation in the defense sector.
Pezeshkian also addressed international criticism directed at Iran, particularly from Western countries. It often accuses Iran of supporting terrorism, despite the state’s long-standing role in regional stability.
“No evidence has been presented that Iran has started a war anywhere,” he said, questioning the hypocrisy of Western countries in supporting military action by Israel while condemning Iran.
He pointed to contradictions in the global narrative, especially regarding the defense of Israel in the United States and Europe, despite its actions in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
“The Zionist regime’s violations of international law are clear, but the United States and Europe continue to support them,” he said, calling attention to the double standards that govern international politics.
Pezeshkian also reiterated that Iran’s stance on nuclear weapons remains consistent, asserting that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and has always operated according to the principles of peace and justice.
He criticized the international community for spreading misinformation and portraying Iran as a threat to global security. “We do not seek nuclear weapons,” he asserted, stressing that Iran’s foreign policy is driven by a commitment to justice, not aggression.
On the issue of anti-Semitism, Pezeshkian claimed that Iran is hostile to Jews and insisted that Iran respects all religions.
“We are not against anyone,” he said, stressing that Iran has always protected its Jewish population and other religious communities. He emphasized the common values of justice and fairness in all major world religions and cited the teachings of the Prophet Moses and Jesus Christ as examples of a universal commitment to peace and kindness.
“All religions teach us not to succumb to oppression,” he explained, stressing that Iran’s position is rooted in these fundamental values of justice, peace and respect for all peoples. .
Regarding regional developments, Pezeshkian reflects on the ongoing challenges of Syria, Armenia and Turkey, and acknowledges the complexity of Iran’s relations with its neighbors.
Despite these challenges, he reiterated that Iran’s strategy remains focused on peace, sovereignty and cooperation with countries that respect international law and regional stability.
“We stand as a nation of justice and peace,” he said, reinforcing Iran’s commitment to working with like-minded countries to counter aggression and fostering stability in the region.