Exclusive: Iran to Buy 10 Million Doses of Russian-Made COVID-19 Vaccine

Iran’s ambassador to Russia has told Iran Front Page that Tehran is holding talks with Moscow to sign an agreement to purchase 10 million doses of the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine, known as Sputnik-V.

“Within the framework of the current deal between Iran and Russia, we will buy some one million doses of the vaccine from Russia,” said Kazem Jalali in an interview with the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website.

“I proposed around two months ago that we conclude an agreement with Russia to buy 20 million doses of the Sputnik-V vaccine,” said the ambassador.

Jalali underlined his proposal was welcomed by President Hassan Rouhani, Health Minister Saeed Namaki, and Chief of Staff of the Iranian president’s office Mahmoud Vaezi.

Finally, added the Iranian ambassador, it was agreed that a deal be clinched with Russia for the purchase of some 10 million doses.

He said many countries are now holding talks with Russia to buy COVID-19 vaccines, adding Iran should speed up the trend of purchasing the doses from Moscow.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Jalali added Iran is also making arrangements to jointly produce a coronavirus vaccine with Russia.

“All producers of coronavirus vaccines in the world have limited capacity for the production of vaccines. So, Russia welcomes the joint production of vaccines,” he added.

He said the jointly produced vaccines will be rolled out under the Russian license, and added its distribution will take place under the supervision of both sides.

Emad Askarieh

Emad Askarieh has worked as a journalist since 2002. The main focus of his work is foreign policy and world diplomacy. He started his career at Iran Front Page Media Group, and is currently serving as the World Editor and the Vice-President for Executive Affairs at the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website.