- Iran and Russia sign a 20-year strategic partnership treaty, enhancing military, trade, and diplomatic ties.
- The agreement strengthens cooperation in areas like security, energy, and transport amid Western sanctions.
- The pact follows years of negotiations and coincides with shifts in global geopolitics, particularly with the US.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed a new cooperation pact, strengthening the ties between the two heavily sanctioned nations.
The “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” covers a broad range of areas, including trade, military collaboration, science, culture, and education, according to officials from both countries.
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At a joint press conference in Moscow, Putin hailed the agreement as a significant step forward, describing it as a “real breakthrough” that would contribute to the stable and sustainable development of both nations and the wider region. The Kremlin emphasized that the treaty would enhance military-political and trade-economic relations, though specific details were not disclosed.
Pezeshkian highlighted the new phase in the countries’ relationship, particularly in trade. The two leaders emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in political, security, transport, and energy sectors.
In response to Western sanctions, both countries have increasingly turned to one another for trade. Iran has already provided Russia with self-detonating “Shahed” drones, which have been used in Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, according to Western and Ukrainian officials.
The treaty, which follows years of negotiation, will replace a previous framework dating back to 2001, which was periodically renewed. It is expected to remain in effect for 20 years, according to Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali.
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The agreement signals deeper ties as President Putin seeks to strengthen relations with Iran, China, and North Korea, aiming to counter what he perceives as US-led global hegemony. Pezeshkian’s visit comes after several setbacks for Tehran in foreign policy, including challenges to its allies in Syria and Lebanon.
The treaty was signed just days before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has been a vocal critic of Iran and has threatened military action in the region.
