Iran Alleges $2bn Exports To Russia Amid Discrepancies

Iran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, claims Iran's exports to Russia surpassed $2 billion in 2023, based on statistics provided by Russian authorities.

Jalali made the announcement on Monday, adding that “the actual value of Iran's exports to Russia could potentially be even higher due to the transit of Iranian products through Eurasian Economic Union member countries like Kazakhstan.”

The claims emerge amidst contrasting figures reported by Iran's Customs, which indicate $760 million worth of commodity exports to Russia in the first 10 months of the current year, ending in March. Data from the Chamber of Commerce also suggests that Iran's exports to Russia totaled approximately $743 million last year, while imports from Russia were double that amount.

The disparity between the statistics regarding Iran's exports to Russia raises questions though Iran's extensive sale of drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war could likely contribute to the difference, such transactions not reflected in Iran's customs data.

In response to the two nations' military cooperation, Western countries have imposed multiple sanction packages against Iran for facilitating the transfer of military equipment to Russia.

Jalali also disclosed the impending visit of "a large delegation of 160 to 170 people" from Russia to Iran to finalize agreements during the meetings.

Over the past two years, Iranian authorities have promoted the alliance with Russia and China, aiming to underscore the financial and trade relations between Iran and its allies.