Iran seals French language centre in Tehran, accuses it of illegal activities
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- A non-public Russian government document reportedly outlines plans to expand cooperation with Iran beyond traditional trade.
- The plans include alternative financial channels, nuclear cooperation, aircraft components, energy projects, and new transport routes toward the Gulf.
Russia sought to deepen its ties with Iran beyond traditional trade through a series of financial, nuclear, industrial, energy and transport projects, according to Fox News, which cited a non-public Russian government document it reviewed.
Plans extend beyond trade
According to the network, the document was approved by Russian authorities on September 2, 2024, and assigns ministries, government agencies and state-owned companies responsibility for implementing the proposed projects.
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The document reportedly sets deadlines extending through the end of 2026 and includes plans to establish alternative financial channels, expand nuclear cooperation, and produce Iranian-made components for Russian aircraft.
It also outlines major energy projects and new transportation routes extending toward the Gulf, Fox News reported.
US warns of sanctions evasion
A US official cited by Fox News said American sanctions have sharply isolated Russia and Iran from the international financial system, adding that efforts by the two countries to develop alternative financial channels and other mechanisms to circumvent sanctions were "not surprising."
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The official said Washington is closely monitoring efforts by sanctioned countries to develop alternative cross-border payment mechanisms and would seek to disrupt those that facilitate sanctions evasion or illicit financing.
Financial institutions and intermediaries involved in sanctions-evasion schemes could face "significant risks," the official said, adding that Washington would continue working with partners to identify, expose and disrupt such networks.
The official also said Russia and Iran may seek to establish alternative financial channels, but argued that such efforts would not undermine the effectiveness of US sanctions.
