The Russian Federation is ready to examine in detail the initiative to establish a “CIS+Iran” cooperation and dialogue format and discuss it jointly with other member states of the Commonwealth. This was announced by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin in an interview with the TASS news agency.

The diplomat recalled that the initiative had been put forward by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. On October 9, 2026, he took part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS, held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan. Thus, Masoud Pezeshkian became the first Iranian leader invited to the summit of the Commonwealth's heads of state. Russia was also among the first countries to support the initiative of Turkmenistan, which hosted the meeting.

The proposal to establish cooperation in the “CIS+1” format has generated considerable interest in the capitals of the Commonwealth member states. According to representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are extensive opportunities for developing cooperation between the CIS and Iran.

Furthermore, the existing mechanisms of the “CIS+” format, which allow third countries to participate in the Commonwealth's activities, provide the necessary conditions for implementing the new initiative and carrying out joint projects.

The discussion of this initiative could contribute to expanding relations between the CIS countries and Iran, identifying new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthening regional collaboration.