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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met at the Kremlin on Friday to discuss and finalize a far-reaching cooperation pact.
The Kremlin confirmed that the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty,” set to be signed by the two leaders, spans various fields, including trade, military collaboration, science, education, and culture.
The agreement’s signing precedes the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to mediate peace in Ukraine and take a stricter approach to Iran, a country grappling with economic challenges and military setbacks across the Middle East.
Prior to their meeting, Pezeshkian laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb at the Kremlin Wall. The two leaders, meeting for the third time since Pezeshkian’s election in July, discussed deepening bilateral relations. Putin highlighted the treaty as a significant step to advance cooperation in multiple areas, while Pezeshkian called it a “solid foundation” for future progress, stressing the strategic importance of ties with Moscow.
Strengthening Ties Amid Global Shifts
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed speculation about any connection between the treaty’s timing and Trump’s inauguration, stating that the agreement had been long planned.
Relations between Moscow and Tehran have grown closer since Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine began in February 2022. While Ukraine and Western nations allege that Iran supplied Russia with explosive drones, both Moscow and Tehran have denied these claims.
In 2023, Iran became part of the BRICS bloc of developing economies and participated in the summit hosted by Russia in Kazan. Despite a history of strained relations, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 paved the way for improved ties, with Moscow emerging as a key trade partner and weapons supplier for Tehran amidst international sanctions.
Russia played a pivotal role in Iran’s nuclear energy development, including the launch of its first nuclear plant in 2013, with two additional reactors currently under construction. Moscow also supported the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, offering sanctions relief in exchange for limits on Iran’s atomic program.
Shared Regional Challenges
The two nations have cooperated in supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad during the country’s civil war. However, Assad’s recent fall after an opposition offensive marked a significant setback for Tehran’s influence in the region. Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” has also faced blows from Israeli military actions targeting Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran itself.
Facing economic struggles and diminished influence in the Middle East, Tehran increasingly seeks Moscow’s assistance, particularly in acquiring advanced Russian weaponry, including air defense systems and fighter jets, to counter potential threats from Israel.
