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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran and Russia are enjoying the closest relations in their history, following talks in Tehran on October 19, 2026, with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Araghchi said cooperation with Moscow can help promote regional stability, while Iran's ambassador to Russia said President Pezeshkian and Vladimir Putin would continue consultations at the upcoming Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit in Moscow. Analysts noted that as Tehran looks for an off-ramp from renewed conflict with Washington, Moscow is positioning itself as a diplomatic partner while also pressing Iran to deliver on long-delayed economic deals.