CHOLPON ATA, Kyrgyzstan (Dispatches) – Iran’s First Vice President Muhammad Reza Aref, leading a senior delegation to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit here, on Friday praised the bloc’s supportive stance against recent Israeli and U.S. aggression on Iran, while urging collective resilience and deeper regional cooperation to face future global challenges.
Speaking at the opening session of the EAEU Prime Ministers’ meeting, Aref thanked member states for their “constructive and encouraging positions” against “the aggression of the Zionist regime and the United States” directed at Iran. 
He condemned the United Nations Security Council’s inaction over “blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter by the Zionist regime and America.”
“The attacks on a UN member state, including assaults on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the killing of civilians, unlawful operations against our military personnel, and the bloodshed of women, children, and scientists, reveal the Zionist regime’s objective to spread insecurity in the region,” he said. 
He said “the world is witnessing this regime’s imposition of hunger on the oppressed people of Gaza, even full occupation — acts amounting to crimes against humanity and continued genocide.” 
Iran, he added, “reiterates the shared responsibility of all states to halt these gross violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity in Gaza.”
Aref also praised the implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Union, calling it “a unique opportunity for national economies, sustainable development, and deepening economic cooperation.” 
He announced that the first joint working group meeting would be held in September under the leadership of Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade and the EAEU’s trade minister.
“Iranian economic actors are increasingly aware of the benefits and capacities of the EAEU agreement and are determined to enhance cooperation and participation in the supply chains and economic value of the union,” he said.  
The vice president underscored Iran’s readiness “to expand cooperation in key areas such as trade, energy, modern technology, and transportation alongside the free trade agreement.”
Calling for collective resilience to global shocks such as “energy insecurity, food insecurity, climate change, and threats from new technologies,” Aref stressed the need for unity against “growing dangers caused by monopolies in global financial and banking systems.”
On regional security, Aref welcomed the recent peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and stressed Iran’s stance against external interference.

“Iran believes that outside interventions will not contribute to sustainable regional security. We emphasize solidarity and the preservation of territorial integrity among countries.”
In a sideline meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Aref emphasized the importance of strengthening Iran-Russia relations, particularly on regional issues. 
He highlighted Iran’s “full readiness to expand bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation,” referencing ongoing nuclear talks and criticizing Western countries for politicizing Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
“Israel’s attacks, carried out in collaboration with the U.S. during indirect negotiations, targeted our scientists and military commanders without any logical justification,” Aref said. “Despite America’s claims, Iran remains committed to peaceful nuclear technology and confidence-building.”
He reiterated Iran’s opposition to unilateralism, saying, “Like Russia, we oppose U.S. unilateral policies and believe regional security and stability should be pursued through multilateral strategies involving regional actors alone.”
Aref underscored the strategic importance of Iran’s cooperation with the EAEU and Russia, calling it “a long-term strategy to build a strong region by strengthening national sovereignties, facilitating transport and trade in energy, developing technology, and establishing joint financial infrastructures.”
Russian Prime Minister Mishustin praised the “significant increase” in Iran-Russia economic ties and stressed the importance of the North-South transport corridor as key to deepening regional relations. 
He also emphasized that “all regional countries should maintain relations based on good neighborliness to build a shared future.”
Aref’s visit to Kyrgyzstan and his upcoming talks in Kazakhstan reflect Tehran’s eastward pivot amid sustained Western sanctions and diplomatic pressures. 
“The future of Iran’s economy lies in regional integration,” Aref said before departure. “This is not just about diplomacy — it’s about building real, sustainable economic alternatives for the country.”
The delegation includes Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade, as well as senior officials, signaling Tehran’s commitment to cementing ties with the EAEU and Central Asian partners.