Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are set to sign a strategic partnership agreement during Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow on January 17, the Kremlin announced.
This development was covered by Newsweek
According to the news outlet, the agreement aims to deepen cooperation between the two nations in areas such as trade, investment, transport, energy, and defense.
Discussions will also address regional and international issues, according to the Kremlin's statement.
The partnership builds on years of cooperation, especially since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has brought Moscow and Tehran closer together.
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The agreement will focus on expanding collaboration in several areas, including the North-South Transport Corridor, a major infrastructure project connecting Russia, Iran, and other countries. This corridor is expected to become a cornerstone of the partnership.
Iran has played a major role in supporting Russia militarily, supplying thousands of Shahed drones and short-range ballistic missiles used in attacks against Ukraine. With Iran’s help, Russia has started producing its own versions of these drones, called Geran-2.
Both nations share a common goal of countering Western influence. Iran continues to back militant groups in the Middle East, while Russia focuses on its geopolitical ambitions in Eastern Europe.
Despite their growing partnership, the alliance has faced setbacks.
Last December, Syrian rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad, a key ally supported by both Russia and Iran.
This agreement follows a similar deal Russia signed with North Korea last year. Under that pact, North Korea sent up to 12,000 troops to assist Russia in Kursk Oblast.
