MOSCOW – Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said he found the Iranian nation deeply united and resolute in defending its independence during a visit to Tehran, describing Russia as a strategic partner that will “never sacrifice” its relations with the Islamic Republic regardless of external pressure.
Speaking in an interview with Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Medvedev said he traveled to Tehran on the direct instruction of President Vladimir Putin to attend the mourning ceremonies for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. 
“President Putin held the late Leader in very high regard,” Medvedev said. “He asked me personally to take part in the ceremonies.”
Medvedev said the scale and spirit of public participation left a lasting impression. 
“I clearly observed the cohesion and solidarity of the Iranian nation. The passionate presence of the people at these ceremonies had a profound impact on me.” 
He added that despite wartime conditions, ordinary life in Tehran proceeded normally. “When we were driving through Tehran, I saw that despite the dramatic situation, the grief that has befallen the people, and the military events, Iran continues a normal and full life.”
On bilateral relations, Medvedev said ties stand at an unprecedented level, with trade volume rising more than 20 percent last year. 
He singled out the Rasht–Astara railway, under construction as part of the International North–South Transport Corridor, as a project capable of transforming regional transport links. 
“If this project is fully realized, it will be of an absolutely breakthrough character,” he said.
In the nuclear field, Medvedev confirmed cooperation extends beyond the Bushehr plant, whose first unit operates at full capacity, with discussions continuing on additional large plants and small modular reactors. 
Units 2 and 3 at Bushehr remain under construction with Rosatom participation. He also pointed to substantial energy cooperation, noting Russian companies’ investments account for roughly 7 percent of Iran’s total oil output.