Disputes over contracts with Russian companies have become more frequent in Iran.

Leonid Lozhechko, head of the Russian-Iranian Business Council, told Radio RBC that unscrupulous partners demand payment in advance, fail to provide product quality certificates, and can unilaterally terminate contracts.

Trade between Russia and Iran is growing primarily due to agricultural products (which account for over 50%) and industrial equipment supplies. However, there has been no significant increase in automobile and aircraft parts supplies: Iran primarily repairs aircraft rather than produces parts. Around 80% of settlements are conducted in rubles and rials, but the multiple exchange rates in Iran hinder the growth of national currencies and complicate barter arrangements. Against this backdrop, the role of letters of credit in rubles is increasing, and cryptocurrencies and gold settlements are also being used.

The parties are actively developing the North-South corridor, including rail and sea routes across the Caspian Sea. However, logistics are constrained by infrastructure limitations and the falling Caspian Sea level, which is reducing shipping capacity. The main risks for 2026 are sanctions pressure, climate and logistics factors, and counterparty risks: fluctuating domestic prices and exchange rates in Iran are leading to unilateral contract cancellations and an increase in disputes. This requires strict definition of jurisdiction and settlement terms in contracts.