Iran and Russia have discussed expanding cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Iran's deputy communications minister said on July 9.

The talks point to Tehran's push to deepen technology ties with Moscow as both countries, under heavy Western sanctions, seek to build alternative digital partnerships and reduce reliance on Western infrastructure.

Mohammad Mohsen Sadr, deputy communications minister and head of Iran's Information Technology Organisation, said he had met the deputy minister of digital development, communications and mass media of the Russian Federation on the sidelines of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, according to a post on X carried by Zoomit.

The two discussed cooperation in e-government, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, data governance, cybersecurity and the transfer of experience in digital transformation and smart-city development, Sadr said. He stressed the need to expand technological cooperation between Iran and Russia to draw on shared capacities and strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

Sadr also met Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and proposed the creation of a joint Iran-Pakistan technology zone, which the minister welcomed, the communications ministry said.

He also held meetings with the deputy communications minister of Oman and the communications minister of Iraq during the summit, according to the report.