MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday discussed bilateral relations and the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal in a phone talk with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian.

"The leaders had a thorough discussion of issues pertaining to further development of Russian-Iranian cooperation based on the bilateral Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed during the Iranian President's official visit to Russia on January 17," the Kremlin press service said in a statement.

Special attention was paid to the expansion of ties in trade and the economy, including through the implementation of joint projects in transport and energy, it added.

"Vladimir Putin has once again offered sincere condolences over the loss of life as a result of a deadly explosion at the Port of Shahid Rajaee on April 26, 2025. In turn, Masoud Pezeshkian thanked the Russian side for providing prompt emergency assistance following the accident, praising the high professionalism of the Russian Emergencies Ministry specialists," it said.

Iranian authorities ended on Sunday search and rescue operations at the Shahid Rajaee Port in the city of Bandar Abbas, where an explosion claimed at least 70 lives.

Pezeshkian greeted Putin and all citizens of Russia for the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II.

"The presidents exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues, including the progress of Iran-US talks on the Iranian nuclear program, proceeding under the mediation of Oman," the ministry said.

Putin reiterated Russia's willingness to facilitate communications between Iran and the US aimed at reaching a fair agreement based on the principles of international law.

"The presidents agreed to step up joint efforts aimed at comprehensively strengthening practical cooperation and foreign policy coordination between Russia and Iran," according to the statement.

The fourth round of US-Iran nuclear discussions, mediated by Oman, scheduled for last Saturday was postponed.

Global powers are weighing if the 2015 nuclear deal can be revived. It collapsed after the US, under the first Donald Trump presidential term, unilaterally abandoned it in 2018.

The 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, saw Iran curtail its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.