Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Tehran on February 25, holding a private meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, followed by an official delegation meeting and a joint press conference, ISNA reported.

While details of the private discussions were not disclosed, both sides later underlined the strength of their bilateral ties and addressed critical issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and regional developments.

At the press conference, Araghchi described the talks as “detailed, good, and constructive,” covering a wide range of topics.

He announced that the joint economic commission of the two countries would convene in April, signalling a continued focus on strengthening economic ties. Lavrov echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia remains committed to enhancing trade exchanges with Iran.

“We have an extraordinary level of political dialogue with Iran,” Lavrov said, highlighting the dynamism in bilateral trade relations.

According to Lavrov, the two diplomats underscored the unacceptability of unilateral sanctions and considered targeted measures to mitigate their adverse effects on the economies of both nations.

The Russian minister also announced that Moscow anticipates the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and Iran will come into force soon, predicting it will significantly boost trade turnover.

He underlined ongoing multi-sided engagement, particularly highlighting Iran's observer status within the EEU.

The free trade agreement's implementation, as previously indicated by the Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, is expected in 2025. Upon implementation, a substantial 87% of goods traded between Iran and the EEU members will become exempt from tariffs.

The nuclear issue was a key focus of the discussions. Araghchi revealed that Iran had updated Russia on its recent talks with three European countries in Geneva, stressing coordination with Moscow and Beijing.

“Regarding the nuclear negotiations, our position is clear. We will not negotiate under pressure, threats, and sanctions, and there will be no possibility of direct negotiations between us and the United States on the nuclear issue as long as maximum pressure is applied,” Araghchi stated firmly.

Lavrov confirmed discussions on the nuclear issue, advocating for diplomatic solutions over force or threats.

“Moscow believes that the capacity for diplomacy still exists and should be used appropriately,” he said, stressing that the crisis was not created by Iran.

The talks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.

US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to engage in negotiations on nuclear and non-nuclear issues to avoid military conflict while simultaneously reinstating his “maximum pressure” campaign.

This policy, which includes severe economic sanctions, was initiated after Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with the six world powers, prompting Iran to scale back its commitments under the deal.

Meanwhile, Russia has been engaged in discussions with the US, primarily focused on ending the Ukraine war, but some observers suggest these talks may also involve Iran.

Analysts speculate that Lavrov’s visit to Tehran could be part of a broader effort to mediate between Iran and the US, with Russia potentially urging Iran to make concessions on its nuclear programme and regional policies.

“Lavrov's goal in Tehran is to persuade the Islamic Republic to surrender its nuclear programme and shut down the Axis of Resistance in exchange for avoiding an Israeli military attack and cutting off oil exports. Lavrov has taken Trump's message with him and is the executor of the US president's carrot-and-stick policy,” Reza Taghizadeh, an Iranian political activist based in Glasgow, said on X.

During the same press conference, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s continued support for the Axis of Resistance.

"We believe that resistance groups are fighting for a just and righteous cause, and their struggle is supported by Iran in whatever form they choose,” he said.

Iranian media have also raised concerns about a potential US-Russia deal that could compromise the Islamic Republic’s interests. In a recent editorial, Iran’s Jomhuri Eslami newspaper warned of the possibility of Putin striking a deal with US President Donald Trump over Iran. The newspaper cautioned that such an agreement could leave the US free to act against Iran in the Middle East, particularly in support of Israel, while Russia secures its interests elsewhere, such as in Ukraine.

The editorial, published on February 19, urged Iranian officials to monitor Russia’s actions closely, stating, "It is not too late to find a way to avoid the consequences of a major deal between Russia and the United States." It further warned that Putin might "turn a blind eye to any action the United States wants to take against Iran" in exchange for concessions on Ukrainian territory.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, dismissed these concerns on February 18, asserting that US-Russia talks would not affect Moscow’s cooperation with Tehran. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to assisting Iran in resolving issues related to its nuclear programme.