Lavrov’s Visit to Tehran and the Shifting Global Order

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Tehran today, meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The visit takes place amid a flurry of geopolitical shifts, from escalating US pressure on Iran to Trump’s eagerness to meet and strike a deal with Vladimir Putin—a moment that underscores how fast-moving events are reshaping strategic calculations.

At the heart of Lavrov’s trip is the deepening Iran-Russia partnership, cemented by the landmark 20-year "Strategic Cooperation Treaty" signed this January. This legally binding pact—unlike Iran’s 25-year agreement with China—outlines broad economic, technological, and security cooperation, including a mutual non-aggression clause ensuring that neither side will aid an adversary’s attack on the other.

But beyond the technicalities, this treaty signals something more profound: a shared vision for a multipolar world order, in which the US-led system is steadily being challenged.

Lavrov’s Visit to Tehran

Moscow framed today’s visit in terms of “mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation”, particularly in energy and transportation projects. But the bigger story is the potential emerging alignment between Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing, especially as Iran reinforces its opposition to direct talks with the U.S. under pressure.

Araghchi made this clear during the press conference with Lavrov:

“We do not negotiate under pressure, threats, or sanctions. Therefore, the possibility of direct negotiations between us and the United States will not exist as long as maximum pressure is applied.”

Araghchi added:

“We briefed Mr. Lavrov on the discussions we had with the three European countries. We are moving forward in the nuclear issue in cooperation and coordination with Russia and China.”

For Russia, Iran’s firm stance is seemingly a welcome development. Lavrov reiterated:

“We believe there is still diplomatic potential [for the JCPOA], and this capacity should be utilized without threats, pretexts, or the use of force. We will assist in finding a solution to this crisis.”

This comes as Russia’s ambassador to Iran, Alexey Dedov, emphasized in a recent interview with ISNA that Moscow sees the P5+1 framework as still valid—despite widespread acknowledgment that the 2015 nuclear deal is all but dead.

According to Dedov:

“We have not been and will not be mediators in this regard. We are directly involved in this process… We support maintaining this P5+1 framework, with Iran on one side and the other members on the other.”

Moreover, Dedov accused the West of trying to exclude Russia and China from negotiations, stating:

“Without Russia and China, such negotiations will never achieve their goal and will not be effective.”

Can Iran Trust Russia? Fears of a Grand Bargain with the US

While the Tehran-Moscow partnership appears stronger than ever, some in Iran remain wary that Russia could cut a separate deal with the US at Iran’s expense. Khabar Online captured this anxiety, warning:

“Just as the fragile peace of Versailles triggered World War II, today these secret conferences and decisions for the world may be the beginning of the third war! Even Africa is being divided between Russia and America—let alone the region!”

The outlet added:

“Lavrov is coming to Iran to say: Negotiate, and do not even talk about nuclear weapons! Now, in this concept, the trip of the Emir of Qatar to Tehran should also be examined. The world is undergoing division and transition, and Tehran must claim its share; otherwise, it will have lost the game in the region to the Arabs (especially Riyadh) and Turkey!”

Ultimately, Lavrov’s visit underscores Iran’s vulnerability to Moscow’s shifting priorities. While the 20-year strategic treaty provides a framework for long-term cooperation, the real question is whether Iran will remain a junior partner in Moscow’s broader geopolitical game—or if Tehran will successfully leverage this partnership to solidify its own standing in a changing world order.

For now, the message from Tehran is clear:

Iran won’t negotiate with Washington under pressure, but it will deepen its ties with Moscow and Beijing, even as some in Iran fear that this alliance might not be as ironclad as it seems.