"During the years of sanctions, Russian-Iranian relations have been influenced by a third factor, namely by the West. In the new circumstances, the effect of the third factor in the relations between two countries is being reduced," Mehdi Sanaei wrote in his Livejournal blog.
He reminded that in recent months the dialogue at the presidential level was set up to expand and strengthen relations between the countries.
"The removal of sanctions can provide a broader foundation for the implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries’ top officials," the ambassador emphasized.
Expansion of cooperation with China, Russia and India is a permanent priority of the current Iranian government’s foreign policy, the diplomat added.
"Our presidents have created a constructive dialogue over the last two years. Iran is grateful to Russia for cooperation at all stages of the achievement of a nuclear agreement and the lifting of sanctions," Sanaei concluded.
Sanaei also stressed that the current situation in the Middle East requires extra cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
"The situation in the region stipulates the need for a more serious cooperation between Russia and Iran in different spheres. In conditions where certain regional countries intend to create tension and problems, it is necessary that powers that move in the same direction in establishing stability and security and counterterrorism fight have closer and more serious cooperation," Sanaei stated.
Many regional countries, as well as the West, believe that the current Syrian government is not legitimate and have been supporting the opposition they believe to be moderate.
Russia and Iran, however, believe that Syrian President Bashar Assad's administration is legitimate, and have been supporting the government forces in their battle against terror.
Iran and the six world powers — the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany — signed a nuclear deal last July. It guaranteed the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The United Nation’s nuclear watchdog IAEA verified Iran’s compliance with the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) late on Saturday.
The confirmation led to the immediate lifting of UN and EU sanctions, as well as partial sanctions relief by the United States.
