The Iran Project - During a phone call, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the ongoing tensions in the South Caucasus region and stressed the importance of resolving them without any interference from foreign parties.

They specifically highlighted the need for discussions within the 3+3 format, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

The conversation focused on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's military launched an operation in September 2020 and later announced control over the enclave, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but inhabited by ethnic Armenians.

A ceasefire deal brokered by Russia led to the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in the region.

Raisi and Putin stressed the avoidance of foreign intervention in regional matters.

They also discussed the progress in bilateral relations between Iran and Russia and emphasized the implementation of joint agreements and initiatives in areas such as transit, transportation, energy exchange, and the completion of the North-South corridor.

Raisi expressed gratitude for Russia's support for Iran's membership in BRICS, considering it an influential organization in shaping a multipolar world.

Putin acknowledged the significant trade volume between Russia and Iran and expressed hope for the swift realization of the Rasht-Astara railway project, which would enhance trade exchanges in the region. Putin described Iran as a strategic partner for Russia.