Russia-Iran cooperation 'advanced to new level,' says minister

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said on Wednesday that cooperation between Moscow and Tehran advanced to a new level.

The US and its allies attempted but failed to derail the process of cordial Russian-Iranian relations, Shoygu said during a meeting with Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani in Tehran.

"We are aimed at implementing the entire range of planned activities, despite opposition from the United States and its Western allies. We are pleased to note that the Russian-Iranian dialogue is developing particularly intensively today," he said.

The minister expressed readiness to continue working with Iran to strengthen security and stability in the Middle East and suggested discussing "several issues of mutual interest."

In Tehran, the Russian defense minister also attended an exhibition of the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the ministry said in a separate statement.

Shoygu was shown missile weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and Iranian-made air defense equipment, it noted.

The IRGC exhibition showcases achievements of Iran's aerospace industry, including the latest models of drones, missiles, and tactical missile systems, as well as long- and medium-range ballistic missiles and captured American-made drones.