An exclusive report reveals attempts by Russia to expand its relationship with Iran beyond traditional trade avenues. A nonpublic Russian document, obtained by Fox News Digital, lays out plans for alternative financial channels, nuclear collaboration, the production of aircraft components, large energy projects, and new transport routes reaching the Persian Gulf.
The plan, titled ‘Plan for Cooperation Between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran for 2024-2026,’ spans 44 pages and is marked ‘For official use only.’ It outlines responsibilities and deadlines extending through the end of 2026 for Russian ministries and agencies, emphasizing projects aimed at bolstering ties with Iran.
The document predates ongoing conflicts involving Iran and the US by over a year, thus leaving the status of projects ambiguous due to the evolving geopolitical landscape.
An independent review of the document highlighted several initiatives that later gained traction or materialized, shedding light on the comprehensive architecture Moscow aimed to establish.
Strengthening Economic Ties
A European intelligence source noted the strategic nature of the document, focusing on nuclear programs, energy trade, and financial transactions designed to sidestep US sanctions. Efforts by Russia and Iran to develop independent financial channels were deemed unsurprising.
The document’s financial section highlights methods to outmaneuver Western controls without explicitly mentioning ‘sanctions evasion.’ It emphasizes using national currencies and independent channels.
By 2025, Russia and Iran reportedly shifted nearly all bilateral settlements into national currencies, utilizing their own banking message systems. These efforts included plans to connect Iran’s Shetab payment network with Russia’s Mir system.
Energy and Nuclear Collaboration
Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, continued involvement at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant was detailed, along with future fuel and maintenance efforts for its units. Reports confirmed that work at Bushehr continued into 2026.
The roadmap also specifies Russian participation in Iranian oil and gas projects at Shadegan, Kish, and North Pars, with confidentiality marked on some financing columns. Progress was reported on Shadegan’s field development.
Transportation Routes Expansion
The document included plans for new transportation routes, proposing a railway from Iran’s border with Azerbaijan to the Persian Gulf. The Rasht-Astara railway project, a key missing link, moved into engineering surveys as of May 2025.
Iranian investment in Russia’s Astrakhan port infrastructure was also covered, suggesting ongoing initiatives to establish an independent trade corridor.
Aviation and Information Technology
An intriguing part of the roadmap was Iran’s potential manufacturing of Russian aircraft parts. By March 2026, this plan aimed for prototype production, with some aviation maintenance already occurring.
Additionally, the document called for collaboration in the media and tech sectors, proposing Russian tech contracts in Iran focused on communications and information security.
Strategic ties between Russia and Iran remain politically significant, marked by state coordination and deepening cooperation across industries.
The involvement of Sergei Tsivilev, linked to President Putin’s family, underscores the political weight attached to Iran’s partnership with Russia.
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