MOSCOW — On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formalized an extensive cooperation agreement as both nations seek to strengthen their collaboration amid significant Western sanctions.
This “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” is an ambitious 20-year agreement that spans various domains, including trade, military, science, education, and culture. Russian and Iranian officials have mentioned that this treaty can be renewed beyond the initial term.
Putin highlighted the significance of the deal, stating it represents a “real breakthrough” that would aid in ensuring stable and sustainable development for both countries and the surrounding region. He noted that current trade levels between Russia and Iran are below potential, expressing optimism that this new agreement will eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and enhance their economic interactions. Furthermore, he mentioned ongoing efforts to address technical challenges related to exporting Russian natural gas to Iran through Azerbaijan and constructing transportation routes to Iranian ports along the Gulf.
President Pezeshkian affirmed the viability of these projects, indicating that experts are actively working to resolve any existing hurdles. He described the signing of this treaty as ushering in a new phase of strategic relations between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on enhancing trade and security collaboration.
Pezeshkian’s visit occurred just before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated aspirations to promote peace in Ukraine while adopting a stricter stance towards Iran, which is currently facing a plethora of economic and military challenges across the Middle East.
In response to inquiries regarding the timing of the treaty signing in relation to the U.S. political landscape, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any correlation, asserting that Pezeshkian’s visit had been scheduled well in advance.
The agreement with Iran follows a previous pact formed with North Korea and highlights the evolving relationships of these nations, which were once grouped together under a controversial term during George W. Bush’s presidency.
Despite lacking provisions for mutual defense against aggression, the treaty ensures that neither country will supply military assistances to an aggressor attacking either state. Additionally, both Moscow and Tehran, having borne substantial Western sanctions, have agreed in the treaty to collaborate on counteracting these restrictions and facilitating transactions in their own currencies. The pact also includes elements related to intelligence sharing and security cooperation.
During the meeting, Putin expressed that this newly signed treaty would invigorate nearly all areas of cooperation between the two countries. Pezeshkian, who previously met with Putin twice since taking office in July, regarded the agreement as a robust foundation for future advancements.
He emphasized the essential nature of their relationship, calling it critical, delicate, and strategic, and reinforced their commitment to progressing together. The Iranian President asserted the necessity for regional nations to independently address their issues, implying that foreign intervention only escalates conflicts and destabilizes the area.
He criticized external forces that intensify chaos in the region, asserting, “These ties will defuse their plot, definitely.”
The friendship between Russia and Iran has grown stronger since Putin’s military actions in Ukraine in February 2022, amidst accusations from Ukraine and the West that Tehran supplied drones to Russia for its military endeavors in Ukraine, which both Moscow and Tehran have denied.
Pezeshkian advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, insisting that “war is not a solution” and appealing to the West to refrain from imposing excessive conditions while recognizing other nations’ security concerns.
Last year, Iran joined the BRICS alliance, comprising emerging economies, with Pezeshkian participating in the summit convened by Russia in Kazan.
Russia and Iran have fostered improved relations following years of tension, developing a cordial partnership after the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991. Moscow has played a crucial role as a commercial partner and supplier of military technology to Tehran, which has struggled under international sanctions. Russia constructed Iran’s initial nuclear power plant, launched in 2013, and continues to develop two additional reactors.
Russia participated in the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and six other powers, aimed at lifting sanctions on Tehran in exchange for restricting its nuclear program, and provided political backing to Iran after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew during Trump’s first term.
In the context of the Syrian civil war, Russia and Iran collaborated to support Bashar Assad’s government, though they were unable to prevent his recent downfall to an opposition offensive. This change has significantly challenged Tehran’s regional influence and its so-called “Axis of Resistance,” already weakened by Israeli military actions against Iran-affiliated groups such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Notably, Iran’s difficulties may intensify with Trump potentially resuming his hardline stance on Iran upon returning to the presidency.
Iran is particularly eager for advanced Russian military hardware, such as long-range air defense systems and fighter jets, which could provide critical defense against potential Israeli strikes.
