Zarif, Lavrov Discuss Region, JCPOA

The two diplomats discussed key issues of common interest, including the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as peace in Syria, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf region. 

Zarif thanked Russia’s mediation to end the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and restore peace. 

“The crisis was a shared concern for Tehran and Moscow, which has been resolved with Russia’s mediation and now offers an opportunity for peace and friendship in the region,” Zarif was quoted as saying by ISNA. 

Lavrov said the nuclear deal’s rescue is one of the most pressing issues of the day and Russia and Iran are both interested in its full implementation. 

The accord was signed between Iran and the six world powers, but the United States pulled out and restored its sanctions against Tehran, pushing the landmark deal to the verge of collapse. Iran has also suspended parts of its commitments in response. 

“The US return to the nuclear deal will pave the way for Iran’s resumption of compliance with its obligations,” he said. 

Zarif also presented Iran’s proposals about the six-party cooperation initiative put forward by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey.  The platform would include Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey. 

The two foreign ministers also signed an information security agreement during the meeting, which entails closer interaction between Tehran and Moscow in cybersecurity activities.

Under the pact, Iran and Russia will cooperate in various fields, such as strengthening information security, fighting crimes committed with the use of information and communications technologies, technical and technological advancement and international collaboration to ensure national and international security.

The new agreement is considered a milestone in cybersecurity collaborations between Iran and Russia.