Iranian authorities are investigating the death of a Russian citizen who was found with gunshot wounds in the northern province of Gilan, the Russian embassy in Tehran confirmed on December 22.

The body of the victim, a long-haul driver from the Republic of Dagestan, was discovered on December 16 in a park near the city of Astara, according to a statement from the Russian diplomatic mission in Tehran.

"The Iranian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which is being closely monitored by both the Russian Consulate General in Rasht and the Russian Embassy in Iran," the embassy's press service said.

The Russian diplomatic mission expressed condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased and called on their Iranian counterparts to conduct an "urgent and thorough investigation" to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The incident occurred amid growing economic ties between Russia and Iran, with increased freight transport between the two nations along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which passes through Gilan province.

Astara, where the incident took place, serves as a crucial transport hub on the Iranian-Azerbaijani border, handling significant commercial traffic between Russia and Iran. The location is a popular stop-off point for haulage companies connecting through the Caucasus.

Iranian law enforcement agencies have not yet released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the death.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on October 11 on the sidelines of an international conference in Turkmenistan, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, Iran's presidential website reported.

The Iranian government has not yet commented on Russian citizen's murder.