Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Iran, despite growing Western sanctions on Tehran over alleged missile deliveries to Moscow.
Invited to BRICS Summit
Putin accepted the proposal from Russia’s Foreign Ministry, which had been approved by the entire government, according to the official Russian legal information portal and Ziare.
This move comes as the two countries continue to deepen their cooperation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently stated that preparations for the agreement were nearing completion.
Last week, Putin met with Iran's National Security Council Secretary, General Ali Akbar Ahmadian, in St. Petersburg, where he expressed satisfaction with the continuity of strong ties between the two nations under Iran’s new President Masud Pezeshkian.
Putin also extended an invitation to Pezeshkian to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan.
An Important Partner
Putin emphasized that Iran remains a priority partner for Russia, signaling hopes for an official state visit during which the strategic partnership agreement could be finalized.
He conveyed warm wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, crediting him for the renewed dynamism in Russian-Iranian relations.
Although trade between the two countries declined in 2023, Putin noted a 10% increase in the first half of this year, signaling a positive turnaround. Despite international sanctions, Russia maintains that Iran is an important partner, particularly in sensitive areas.
This growing alliance has raised concerns in the West, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemning the alleged transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia, potentially for use in Ukraine.
