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Iran and Russia forge 20-year strategic pact amid intensified western sanctions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic cooperation treaty on January 17, 2025.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed a strategic cooperation treaty, strengthening ties between two of the world’s most heavily sanctioned nations.

According to officials, the “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” encompasses areas such as trade, military collaboration, science, culture, and education.

During a joint press conference in Moscow on Friday, Putin hailed the agreement as a “significant breakthrough,” fostering stable development for both countries and the region. The Kremlin highlighted the treaty’s aim to bolster “military-political and trade-economic” relations, though specific details remain undisclosed. Pezeshkian stated that the agreement marks a new chapter in their bilateral relations, particularly in trade.

Both leaders emphasized plans to enhance cooperation in politics, security, trade, transportation, and energy. The partnership follows increased trade activities by both nations in response to Western sanctions. Notably, Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed drones, reportedly used in strikes against Ukraine.

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has viewed Iran as a crucial strategic ally, raising concerns among Western officials who consider the two nations as destabilizing global forces. Negotiations for the treaty have spanned years, building on a 2001 agreement that has been periodically renewed.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the treaty as constructive, aimed at reinforcing the capabilities of Russia, Iran, and their allies globally. Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali indicated the agreement would remain effective for 20 years.

The alliance reflects Putin’s focus on strengthening ties with nations like Iran, China, and North Korea to counter US-led global dominance. Pezeshkian’s visit follows several setbacks for Tehran in foreign policy, including the loss of a Syrian ally and challenges faced by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.

The treaty was signed just before the return of US President-elect Donald Trump, known for his hardline stance against Iran. During his first term, Trump withdrew from a nuclear agreement providing sanctions relief to Iran and ordered the assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in 2020. He has since warned of severe military action against Iran if provoked.

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