Tehran talks reinforce expanding Iran–Russia partnership

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev and expressed gratitude for his participation in the farewell ceremonies for the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

According to a statement from the Iranian president’s press service, cited by TASS, Pezeshkian thanked Medvedev during the meeting held in Tehran.

“Between the two countries there are broad opportunities for developing economic, trade, energy and transport-transit cooperation, which must be realised with additional political will and within the framework of already concluded agreements,” the Iranian president said.

Pezeshkian also highlighted the importance of the International North–South Transport Corridor as a key area of bilateral cooperation. He said the development of transport and transit infrastructure between the two countries serves mutual interests and helps strengthen regional connectivity.

Funeral ceremonies for Khamenei, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, began in Tehran on July 3, drawing high-level delegations from at least 100 countries.

From July 4 to July 5, the ayatollah’s body will lie in state at the Mosalla of Tehran, the capital’s largest religious and public complex, where members of the public can pay their respects.

A mourning procession is scheduled for July 6 through central Tehran, after which the body will be transferred to the country’s main religious centre, the city of Qom, for further ceremonies on July 7.

On July 8, Khamenei’s body is to be transported to neighbouring Iraq, where separate farewell ceremonies will be held for Shiite Muslims in Karbala and Najaf. He is due to be buried on July 9 in his hometown of Mashhad.

By Tamilla Hasanova