Russia, Iran Continue To Work On Strategic Deal

Iran and Russia are working on a new strategic partnership according to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

The announcement comes amidst concerns over potential difficulties in the development of this agreement due to protests from the Iranian side in response to a joint statement following the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue ministerial meeting.

The disagreement centers around one specific point in the joint statement, which Iranian officials believe reflects solidarity with the UAE's stance on the territorial dispute concerning three islands in the Persian Gulf, territories that Tehran considers its own. The Iranian side expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by Moscow.

However, despite the challenges, Zakharova on Thursday asserted that the process of drafting the new interstate treaty between Iran and Russia is ongoing.

Zakharova further noted that in a recent telephone conversation on July 18, the Foreign Ministers of Russia and Iran discussed the outcomes of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue meeting.

“During the call, they reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter, with a particular emphasis on respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.

Iran’s foreign ministry summoned Russia's ambassador and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and government spokesman Ali Bahadori wrote in separate tweets that "Iran will not compromise over its national interests and territorial integrity."

However, Tehran’s official reaction to one of its most powerful allies has been meek as the regime navigates through the crisis.