Russia considering Iran’s interests in US talks, Iranian lawmaker says

Russia is taking Iran's interests into account during its talks with the United States, a senior Iranian lawmaker said, highlighting the closeness of Tehran and Moscow in the wake of the war on Ukraine.

"Russia, in negotiations with the United States, also considers Iran's interests," said Abbas Moghtadaei, deputy head of parliament's national security and foreign policy committee. "The Russians have a strategic agreement with us and will take our interests into account."

He dismissed concerns that Iran's interests could be compromised as part of wider US-Russia talks, particularly over Ukraine.

"Iran's position and Ukraine's position on the international stage are completely different," he said.

"Therefore, comparing our country with Ukraine and presenting this analysis that the US and Russia can negotiate about Iran's interests as they bargain about Ukraine's interests, is fundamentally flawed."

Moscow and Tehran have become ever closer in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, during which Iran has been sanctioned by global powers such as the US, UK and EU, for supplying Russia with drones used to target civilian populations in Ukraine.

The two nations, along with China, have carried out multiple military drills since the war began, in addition to signing long-term strategic agreements, which Moghtadaei said has cemented the alliance between the three countries.

"Those who analyze that the US and Russia will trade on Iran's interests the same way they negotiate over Ukraine, do not have a deep understanding of our country and its capabilities," he added.

The Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday that Russia suggested to the United States that the two powers should hold talks focused on Iran's nuclear program, with Russian media reporting this week that President Vladimir Putin has agreed to mediate nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.