Russia and Iran are seeking to expand their influence on the global economy and are coordinating their actions in a number of areas, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
According to her, ties between Russia and Iran have been developing for years and are manifested both in the approach and in the tactics used by the two countries.
"We see how these two countries are trying to support each other and derive mutual benefit from attempts to control the global economy," Cooper said.
Her statement comes against the backdrop of increased tension in the Middle East. A statement by Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, carried by state media warned that Tehran could block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in response to ongoing US-Israeli strikes on the country.
Meanwhile, the United States has temporarily eased some restrictions on the purchase of Russian oil transported by sea. Britain's foreign minister refrained from criticizing Washington's decision, describing it as a "specific and targeted measure".