Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian further strengthened military cooperation between their countries on Friday by signing a 20-year strategic partnership agreement, a move likely to concern the West.
The agreement outlines increased collaboration across various domains, including security services, military drills, warship port visits, and joint officer training. Both nations have pledged not to permit their territories to be used for actions that could threaten the other, and they will not assist any aggressor attacking either country. They also plan to work together to counter military threats.
However, the pact does not include a mutual defense clause like the one in the treaty between Russia and North Korea, which the West believes has led to the deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine—an allegation Moscow has neither confirmed nor denied. The agreement also does not specifically address arms transfers, a key concern for the US and its allies, though both sides agreed to develop “military-technical cooperation.”
Pezeshkian, on his first visit to the Kremlin since assuming the presidency last July, described the treaty as a crucial step in strengthening bilateral relations. Putin emphasized that both countries share many perspectives on international matters and that the treaty would enhance economic and trade ties, which are mostly conducted in their own currencies. He stressed the importance of reducing bureaucracy and taking concrete actions to overcome difficulties, especially in light of Western sanctions on both nations.
Putin also stated that Russia regularly updates Iran on developments in the Ukraine conflict and that the two countries consult closely on Middle Eastern and South Caucasus issues. Both Russia and Iran have been key military supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow following his ouster last month. The West accuses Iran of providing missiles and drones to aid Russian attacks on Ukraine, though Moscow and Tehran insist their growing relationship is not aimed at other nations.
Putin mentioned progress on a potential gas pipeline to transport Russian gas to Iran through Azerbaijan, despite facing challenges. Additionally, although there have been delays in building new nuclear reactors for Iran, Russia remains open to taking on more nuclear projects in the future.
Pezeshkian, whose words were translated by Russian state TV, highlighted the treaty as an indication that Moscow and Tehran do not need to heed the opinions of “countries over the ocean.” He also emphasized that the agreements contribute to the creation of a multi-polar world and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through negotiations.
Since the Ukraine war began, Moscow has built closer ties with Iran and other nations opposed to the U.S. It already has strategic partnerships with North Korea, Belarus, and China. Russia has extensively used Iranian drones during the Ukraine war, and the United States accused Tehran in September of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine, a claim Tehran denies.
The Kremlin has not confirmed receiving Iranian missiles but has acknowledged cooperation with Iran in “the most sensitive areas.” Russia has previously provided Iran with S-300 air defense missile systems, and reports from Iranian media suggest interest in acquiring more advanced systems such as the S-400 and Russian fighter jets.
Pezeshkian’s visit comes as Iran’s influence in the Middle East is reportedly waning, especially with the fall of Assad in Syria and Israel’s continued strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. The status of two significant Russian military facilities in Syria remains uncertain after Assad’s departure.
