Russia to finance Iran’s North-South transport project

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Tuesday in Tehran that Moscow will provide Iran with credit to advance the North-South transport project. Following talks with his Iranian counterpart, Sayyid Abbas Araghchi, Lavrov highlighted a 13% increase in bilateral trade last year and strong growth prospects.  

He welcomed Iran’s progress on the Rasht-Astara railway and confirmed that a Russian export loan would support its construction, a key component of the North-South transport corridor.  

Lavrov reiterated Russia and Iran’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and emphasised their coordination in UN affairs and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Regarding the Iran nuclear deal, he noted that both sides saw potential for its revival.  

On Syria, Lavrov and Araghchi reaffirmed their commitment to peace efforts, stressing that key players like Russia, Iran, and China must be involved in any resolution. He warned that external interference without their participation could deepen divisions.  

Lavrov also thanked Iran for its "balanced position" and shared updates on Russia’s talks with the US, including discussions on Syria. Addressing a recent UN Security Council vote on an anti-Russian resolution, he said the outcome signaled growing recognition of the crisis's root causes.

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