Speaking during a special news interview, Jalali discussed political, economic and security ties between the two countries.

“We have held several joint exercises so far, some only between Iran and Russia and some with countries such as China and regional states, and our military and defense cooperation today has taken on broader dimensions,” Jalali said.

Turning to nuclear cooperation, he added, “This year we signed a $25 billion memorandum in the nuclear energy sector with the Russians and are moving toward new projects that, God willing, the Atomic Energy Organization will be able to carry out.”

Separately, he said Russia’s energy minister recently visited Tehran for meetings of a joint economic commission held annually between the two countries.

The delegation, which included about 80 Russian officials, discussed cooperation in energy, transport, education, banking, and trade, according to Jalali.

He said the trip had been planned months in advance and was not connected to Iran’s indirect talks with the United States.

“Messages were not exchanged and the visit was not urgent; it was a previously scheduled annual meeting,” he said.

Regarding infrastructure cooperation, Jalali said progress continued on the North–South transport corridor, including the Rasht–Astara railway link intended to improve regional connectivity.

He added that land acquisition for sections of the route was advancing and Russian studies would precede construction once transfers were completed.

On nuclear energy, he said additional units at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant were still under construction with Russian involvement and financial issues were being addressed.

“Russia has not withdrawn its personnel from Bushehr and work is continuing normally,” he said, dismissing speculation about staff departures.

Jalali also said Russia remained Iran’s largest foreign investor, particularly in oil fields, with roughly $1.1 billion already invested out of an expected $8 billion.

He attributed recent increases in Iranian oil output partly to those investments.

Addressing geopolitical coordination, Jalali said Vladimir Putin had held discussions with Iranian officials including Ali Larijani on regional developments and bilateral cooperation.

He said Iran and Russia regularly exchange information on diplomacy, including nuclear negotiations, while maintaining independent decision-making.

On trade concerns, Jalali said proposed US tariffs on countries trading with Iran had not affected Tehran–Moscow economic ties.

“Russian officials immediately said such measures would have no effect on their economic cooperation with Iran,” he said.

He added that logistical, banking and customs challenges still exist but are gradually being addressed as bilateral economic activity expands.

Jalali concluded by emphasizing the importance of seizing current opportunities. "Iran and Russia share a unique moment in history. By leveraging our strengths—economic resilience, military cooperation, and cultural affinity—we can build a partnership that benefits both nations," he said. He called for increased dialogue, investment, and people-to-people exchanges to solidify the relationship further.