Russia and Iran Strengthen Ties with Strategic Agreement
The official visit saw both leaders emphasize the importance of bilateral cooperation and prepare to sign a comprehensive treaty aimed at strengthening military and economic ties.
“Your visit today is of special significance because it allows us not only to discuss all areas of our cooperation but also to sign a fundamental document on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran,” President Putin stated during the meeting on Friday, according to Kremlin.ru.
“We have been working on it for a long time, and I am very pleased that this work has been finalized. This is important because it will give us an opportunity to give additional impetus to nearly every aspect of our cooperation,” he added.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement comes at a time when both nations face mounting sanctions from the United States and its allies. The agreement aims to formalize their growing collaboration, particularly in defense and economic sectors, as they navigate increasing international isolation.
“The agreement forms a solid foundation for our forward movement,” President Pezeshkian remarked. “We consider our relations with you as vital, sensitive, and strategic, and we are on this path strongly.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier mentioned that the agreement includes commitments to closer defense cooperation, though Iranian Ambassador Kazem Jalali clarified that it does not include a mutual defense clause like the recent agreement between Russia and North Korea.
The talks highlighted the growing alignment between Moscow and Tehran. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Iran has become a key partner for Russia, adding, “Iran is an important partner for us with which we are developing multifaceted cooperation.”
Meanwhile, Nikolai Kozhanov, a former Russian diplomat in Iran and an associate professor at Qatar University, believes that the timing of the agreement is significant.
“They are in the same trench in the fight against the West,” Kozhanov said. “It’s not the deal itself that matters, but its timing. Putin and Pezeshkian need to figure out how they can counter Trump.”
Iran has expressed interest in acquiring advanced Russian military technology, including the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system and Su-35 fighter jets, to bolster its defense capabilities. This aligns with its broader strategy to protect strategic facilities, including nuclear infrastructure.
Since the start of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, allegations have surfaced regarding Iran’s supply of attack drones and ballistic missiles to Russia. Tehran has denied these claims, but the partnership remains under scrutiny by Western powers.