Putin Highlights Growing Humanitarian Cooperation with Iran, Cites Rising Iranian Student Enrollment in Russia
Quick Look
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Russia values expanding humanitarian cooperation, noting nearly 10,000 Iranian students studied in Russian universities in the 2025-2026 school year, including 802 in state-funded higher education programs.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Russia and Iran have been strengthening bilateral ties amid Western sanctions, with cooperation expanding in areas such as energy, defense, and education.
BISHKEK, September 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, at a meeting on Tuesday that Russia attaches much importance to expanding humanitarian cooperation with the Islamic Republic.
"We attach great importance to the expansion of humanitarian cooperation. More Iranian students are increasingly opting for Russian education, and we are very happy with this," the Russian head of state said.
According to him, in the 2025-2026 school year, there were almost 10,000 Iranian students at Russian universities, including 802 following higher education programs funded from the budget.
Putin also said he was happy to have an opportunity to host the Iranian president and his team to discuss numerous pending topics.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The number of Iranian students enrolling in Russian universities will continue to grow in the coming academic years.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific humanitarian programs are being expanded?
- Are there plans to increase the number of state-funded scholarships for Iranian students?
- How does this cooperation fit into broader Russia-Iran strategic agreements?
