Iran announces banking-message link with Russia

The SCO summit in Samarkand adopted an accession-related package for Iran, advancing the process begun in 2021 while leaving full membership to a later stage.

The EU sanctioned three Iranian individuals and one entity in connection with Iranian drones used in Russia’s war against Ukraine, adding an external cost to Iran–Russia military cooperation.

Iran’s foreign minister acknowledged supplying drones to Russia but said a limited shipment preceded the Ukraine invasion. Ukrainian authorities disputed Iran’s account. The admission concerned...

Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev met Ali Shamkhani and President Raisi in Tehran, discussing security and wider cooperation between the two countries.

State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf participated in the joint parliamentary cooperation commission in Tehran.

China announced Security Belt 2023, a joint naval exercise with Iran and Russia in the Gulf of Oman scheduled for 15–19 March.

Amir-Abdollahian and Lavrov met in Moscow, discussing bilateral trade, transport cooperation and the Iran nuclear agreement during their joint press conference.

Iran and Russia signed an agreement on financing and building the Rasht–Astara railway in Iran, intended to strengthen the International North–South Transport Corridor. The planned 162-kilometre...

Iran became a full SCO member at the New Delhi summit, completing the accession process and joining an organisation that includes Russia and China.

Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council issued a statement supporting UAE efforts toward a negotiated or judicial settlement concerning Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.