The presidents of Russia and Iran formalized a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” at the Kremlin on Friday.
“This is indeed a groundbreaking document,” Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked during the signing ceremony, as reported by AFP, emphasizing that the two nations, both facing significant sanctions, are “united in elevating our relationship to a new level.”
Prior to the treaty’s signing, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed to President Putin his belief that their nations could finalize agreements regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Iran during their discussions in Moscow on Friday.
Putin welcomed Pezeshkian, who was visiting the Kremlin for the first time since his election to the presidency last July, in an opulent room adorned with the flags of both countries as they convened at an elaborately set table.
“We will explore all facets of our cooperation and sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement,” Putin had stated earlier, according to Reuters.
“We have been engaged in this endeavor for an extended period, and I am delighted that we have reached this milestone,” he added, noting that the agreement is expected to enhance trade and economic relations.
Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Moscow has fortified its connections with Iran and other adversaries of the United States, including North Korea, and has formed strategic alliances with Pyongyang and Belarus, as well as a partnership with China.
Although the 20-year agreement between Russia and Iran is not anticipated to contain a mutual defense clause akin to those with Minsk and Pyongyang, it is likely to raise alarms in the West, which perceives both nations as sources of instability, as reported by Reuters.
Both Moscow and Tehran assert that their strengthening ties are not directed against other nations.
Russia has made significant use of Iranian drones in Ukraine, while the United States accused Tehran in September of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, a claim that Tehran has refuted. Although the Kremlin has not confirmed the receipt of Iranian missiles, it has acknowledged collaboration in “sensitive areas.”
Historically, Russia has supplied Iran with S-300 air defense systems, and reports from Iranian media indicate a desire to acquire more advanced systems such as the S-400 and Russian fighter aircraft.
Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow occurs at a time when Iranian influence in the Middle East is diminishing, particularly following setbacks in Syria and Gaza. Russia is also encountering difficulties in Syria, where its military presence is uncertain due to the emergence of new local authorities.
During the BRICS summit in Kazan, Pezeshkian met with Putin and engaged in discussions with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin regarding the enhancement of cooperation in transportation, energy, education, tourism, and cultural sectors. They are also anticipated to discuss the impact of Western sanctions on Iran’s oil industry.
It is noteworthy that Russia constructed Iran’s first nuclear power plant at Bushehr, which commenced operations in 2013, and has contracts for the development of two additional reactors.
