Moscow is set to welcome Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian this week, as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to finalize a significant partnership agreement between Russia and Iran. According to a statement from the Kremlin, the two leaders will be signing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” pact during Pezeshkian’s scheduled visit to Moscow on Friday.
The discussions during this high-profile meeting will focus on strategies to enhance trade relations and improve collaboration in sectors such as transportation, logistics, and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, the leaders are expected to address pressing regional and international concerns.
Tensions persist, as Ukraine and Western nations have accused Iran of supplying Russia with numerous drones that have been deployed in military operations against Ukraine, a claim both Moscow and Tehran have refuted. These drone deliveries are believed to have enabled Russia to conduct extensive strikes against Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Iran, meanwhile, is eager to acquire advanced weaponry from Russia, including long-range air defense systems and combat aircraft, to bolster its defense capabilities against potential threats from Israel. Although Iran has expressed interest in obtaining advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to replace its outdated military hardware, it has only received a limited number of Yak-130 trainer aircraft earlier this year.
Pezeshkian’s visit will take place just days ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who aims to mediate a peace agreement regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
In the meantime, Iran is grappling with escalating challenges in the Middle East, with its alliance, known as the “Axis of Resistance,” facing significant setbacks. Hamas is currently facing intense pressure from Israeli operations, and Hezbollah has also suffered during Israel’s military actions. Furthermore, the regime of Bashar Assad in Syria, which has relied on Iranian funding, is experiencing severe instability.
Iran’s economic condition continues to deteriorate following the breakdown of its 2015 nuclear agreement with global powers. Additionally, Iranian air defenses, particularly the Russian-supplied S-300 systems, have come under Israeli scrutiny and attacks.
In light of these challenges, Tehran is expected to seek assurances of military and financial support from Moscow. Nevertheless, there is increasing discontent within Iran, particularly among the influential Revolutionary Guard, which is directly accountable to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Recently, a leaked audio recording revealed a Guard general attributing some of Iran’s difficulties in Syria to Russia’s actions, indicating rising tensions within their alliance.
