Russia and Iran signed a major new agreement on Friday to bolster their military and economic collaboration. The treaty, heralded as a significant step in their relationship, addresses mutual security threats but does not establish a defense pact like that between Russia and North Korea. The two countries agreed to support each other in resisting aggression and to promote economic cooperation, especially in light of heavy Western sanctions.
The deal also includes provisions for military personnel training and docking of warships at each other’s ports. While the treaty does not explicitly mention weapons exchanges, Iran has already been supplying Russia with drones used in the Ukraine conflict. Both leaders emphasized the importance of this agreement in promoting stability in the Eurasian region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian both celebrated the pact as a new chapter in their relations. The two sides also committed to seeking peace and negotiation to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, though the treaty does not detail specific steps for this resolution.
Putin’s foreign policy emphasizes strengthening ties with Iran, China, and North Korea to counterbalance what he perceives as US-led global dominance. For Iran, this agreement comes after a series of setbacks in foreign policy, including challenges in Syria and tensions with Israel.
Pezeshkian’s visit to Russia also coincides with the return of Donald Trump to the White House, who has been a vocal critic of Iran. Trumpβs stance on Iran continues to be a source of tension between the two countries.
