Russia and Iran deepen ties with comprehensive partnership treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” in Moscow, strengthening relations between the two heavily sanctioned nations. The treaty encompasses collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, military cooperation, science, culture, and education.

At a joint press conference on Friday, President Putin hailed the agreement as a “real breakthrough,” emphasizing its potential to foster “stable and sustainable development” for Russia, Iran, and the broader region. While the Kremlin highlighted plans to deepen “military-political and trade-economic” ties, specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed.

President Pezeshkian called the treaty the start of a new chapter in bilateral relations, particularly in trade. Both leaders underscored their commitment to intensifying cooperation in politics, security, trade, transport, and energy.

The partnership comes as both nations face increasing isolation and sanctions from Western powers. In response, they have expanded trade and defense collaboration. Iran has reportedly provided Russia with Shahed drones, which have been deployed in Moscow’s nightly strikes on Ukraine, according to Ukrainian and Western officials.

Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has identified Iran as a key strategic ally, raising concerns among Western nations, who view the partnership as a threat to global stability.