Russia’s Expanding Relationship with Iran: Strategic Plans for 2024-2026

An exclusive document from the Russian government has emerged, revealing plans to enhance cooperation with Iran. The document, obtained and reviewed by Fox News Digital, outlines strategies to deepen the relationship between Moscow and Tehran from 2024 to 2026.

Cooperation Roadmap

The 44-page document, titled “Plan for Cooperation Between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran for 2024-2026,” was approved by Russian authorities on September 2, 2024. It assigns ministries and state firms roles in various projects stretching to the end of 2026.

The collaborative efforts detailed in the roadmap include financial channels, nuclear cooperation, joint production of aircraft parts, energy ventures, and new transport routes extending toward the Persian Gulf.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian engaged in discussions to foster a more robust partnership during a meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, 2026.

Strategic Financial Channels

The document calls for increased use of national currencies in bilateral trade and lays the groundwork for central bank digital currencies. It aims to expand financial communication through independent systems, potentially reducing reliance on SWIFT.

Despite strategic intentions, the document never explicitly mentions sanctions evasion. Instead, it focuses on deploying national currencies and devising measures to counter Western economic pressures.

The financial collaboration advanced quickly. By February 2025, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk announced successful shifts in bilateral payments using national currency systems, according to Interfax.

Nucleus of Nuclear Collaboration

Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear authority, is tasked with supporting Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant’s operations. Specifically, it is responsible for fuel maintenance and construction efforts related to multiple reactor units.

In September 2026, Rosatom reported the return of specialists to Bushehr and the deliverance of nuclear fuel, marking the continuation and expansion of joint nuclear projects.

Energy and Aviation Projects

Among the roadmap’s initiatives are collaborations in the energy sector targeting specific Iranian oil and gas fields. Shadegan, Kish, and North Pars are identified as areas of interest for Russian investment. Projects entail legal, commercial, and analytical tasks, with undisclosed financial details for some ventures.

One of the more distinct areas includes the potential establishment of Russian aircraft component production within Iran. There have been advances in the related sector of aircraft maintenance following approvals for maintenance services on Russian planes by Iranian companies.

Trade and Transport Networks

Plans to strengthen physical transportation networks between Russia and Iran involve proposals for railway development connecting Russian ports with Iranian counterparts on the Persian Gulf. Existing plans, such as the Rasht-Astara railway, are also under examination.

The coordination extends to port infrastructure in Astrakhan, Russia, backed by Iranian investment and involving facilities for commodities like grain and vegetable oils.

Media and Technology Integration

Beyond trade and heavy industry, the roadmap includes initiatives in media and technology. Joint content, journalist training, and technology contracts pin these sectors as key areas of cooperation.

The roadmap envisions collaborations involving “information security,” telecommunications, and the expansion of technology platforms between the two nations.

Leadership and Political Connections

Coordinating the economic cooperation on the Russian side is Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, who is linked to President Putin’s extended family.

A European intelligence source suggests this familial connection underscores Moscow’s political investment in Iran.

Efforts to institutionalize and embed these projects portray a shift from a convenient partnership to a more stable, systematic alliance.

Russian and Iranian officials have yet failed to respond to inquiries by Fox News Digital regarding the document’s revelations and current partnership activities.