Medvedev says Russia will not sacrifice ties with Iran, offers mediation between US and Iran

Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian official, stated in an interview with Iranian media that Russia is prepared to act as a mediator between the United States and Iran to bring an end to the ongoing war. He emphasized that Moscow would never sacrifice its relationship with Tehran, describing Iran-Russia relations as being at an "unprecedented level." Medvedev also noted that trade between the two countries increased by 20 percent last year.

Medvedev highlighted the extensive sanctions faced by both Russia and Iran, saying they must seek alternative mechanisms for financial cooperation. He pointed out that about 90 percent of trade among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states is conducted in national currencies. He also mentioned the planned Rasht-Astara railway, which will link the Iranian city of Rasht to Astara on the border with Azerbaijan, calling it a transformational project. According to Medvedev, the railway, financed by Russia and Iran, is key to the International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Europe and Russia to the Persian Gulf and India via Azerbaijan and Iran.

In addition, Medvedev said Russia has plans to build a new nuclear power plant in Iran, in addition to the existing Bushehr facility. He stressed that Iran plays a key role in ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks were made during an interview with Iranian media, as reported by Mehr News. Medvedev's comments underscore the deepening ties between Russia and Iran amid international sanctions and regional tensions.