Iran shows off missiles and meets with Russia ahead of U.S. nuke talks

Iranian soldiers, fleets of unmanned drones, and trucks carrying missiles filled the streets of Tehran on Friday as part of Iran’s national Army Day celebrations. Large parades flexing military power also took place in other provincial capitals, Iran-based Tasnim News Agency reported.

Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. At a press conference, Araghchi said Iran and Russia have drawn up plans for economic cooperation, regardless of sanctions imposed on either country. He also said Iran can reach a nuclear deal with the United States in the countries’ second phase of talks—as long as the U.S. doesn’t make unrealistic demands, according to Iran-based PressTV.

Lavrov stressed that a U.S.-Iran agreement should only cover nuclear issues. He said Russia was available to help mediate the upcoming talks, PressTV reported.

What’s the plan for the second phase of U.S.-Iran talks? Talks will begin on Saturday in Rome. Officials from Oman will continue to host and mediate the indirect negotiations, Iranian state news reported. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who will lead the American delegation, said on Tuesday that his goal is to eliminate Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization.

Dig deeper: Read my previous report for more details on the first phase of talks.