Russian President Vladimir Putin hoped Saturday for a strengthening of relations between Moscow and Tehran by sending a message of congratulations to his new Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raïssi, proclaimed winner of the presidential election. "
I hope that your activities in this high post will contribute to the further development of constructive bilateral cooperation in various fields and of our partnership in international affairs
," Vladimir Putin said, in a telegram quoted by the Kremlin. "
This fully meets the interests of the Russian and Iranian peoples and goes in the direction of strengthening regional security and stability
," continued the Russian president. Putin also recalled that relations between the two countries were "
traditionally friendly and good neighborly
”.
The ultra-conservative Ebrahim Raïssi, head of the Iranian judicial authority, won in the first round against three other candidates after a lackluster election campaign against a backdrop of general dissatisfaction with the economic and social crisis.
In favor of the lifting of American sanctions against Iran, Russia has campaigned in recent years for the safeguard of the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program.
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The Common Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 by Iran and six major powers (China, United States, France, United Kingdom, Russia and Germany), has threatened to be shattered since Donald Trump withdrew Washington in 2018 before reinstating economic sanctions.
In response, Tehran has gradually freed itself from most of its commitments, and threatened to limit international inspections of sensitive sites.
