Russia and Iran have maintained and expanded their economic and trade ties despite recent regional tensions and conflicts involving the United States and Israel, according to Russian Ambassador to Iran Alexey Dedov.
In an interview, Dedov highlighted that bilateral trade between the two countries has continued to grow amid challenging circumstances. Data from 2025 indicate that trade volume reached approximately $5.8 billion, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. This upward trajectory persisted into early 2026, with trade rising by 2% from January to April despite disruptions in some logistics channels.
A key driver of this growth has been the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which took effect on May 15, 2025. The agreement has provided preferential conditions covering around 87% of traded goods, contributing to a 15% increase in trade between Iran and the EAEU member states during its first year. According to official Iranian figures for the Persian year 1404 (March 2025 to March 2026), trade with EAEU countries amounted to nearly $7.3 billion, representing a 22% rise. Within this framework, Russia remains Iran’s principal trading partner.
Ambassador Dedov also emphasized progress in optimizing transport routes, particularly the North-South International Transport Corridor. During the first four months of 2026, exports from Russia to Iran surged over 56%, while cargo volume on this route reached about 2.2 million tons—an 87% increase compared to previous periods.
Both sides are working to finalize internal procedures in Iran to implement a May 2023 intergovernmental agreement on the mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators. This agreement aims to streamline customs processes and formalities, fostering smoother trade relations. While Russia has fulfilled its obligations under the deal since 2023, Iran is still completing its domestic steps.
On infrastructure, Dedov noted Russia’s readiness to assist in rebuilding Iranian facilities damaged by recent conflicts. Russian industrial firms, construction companies, and scientific centers are prepared to respond promptly to official Iranian requests with tailored cooperation proposals.
Regarding nuclear cooperation, construction continues on the Rasht-Astara railway project, with ongoing technical surveys. Talks on the Hormoz nuclear power plant persist, with companies from both countries negotiating contractual frameworks and planning further meetings. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, maintains consultations with Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization on small-scale nuclear power plant initiatives. Safety protocols and the presence of Rosatom personnel are coordinated with Iranian authorities according to prevailing conditions.
Additionally, Russia is working to finalize arrangements on recently proposed privileges for Russian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor.
Overall, the ambassador portrayed a resilient bilateral relationship that, despite geopolitical uncertainties, is advancing through comprehensive economic, infrastructural, and nuclear collaborations.