Russia, Iran to Ink Strategic Partnership Agreement on Jan. 17: Kremlin

Putin will hold talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian

Mon Jan 13 2025
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MOSCOW: Russia and Iran will sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement on January 17 during a visit to Moscow by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said Monday.

Moscow and Tehran have enhanced their military and political cooperation amid Russia’s war with Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, will sign a strategic partnership agreement during the latter’s visit to Russia on January 17, the Kremlin’s press service said.

On 17 January, Vladimir Putin will hold talks with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who will come to Russia on an official visit,” the Kremlin said.

“The two leaders are also expected to discuss expanding Russian-Iranian bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, transport, logistics, humanitarian sphere, and current issues on the regional and international agenda,” the statement read.

In December 2024, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced plans to sign a deal by the end of January. The agreement is expected to cement the growing military and political partnership between Russia and Iran.

According to The Moscow Times, the Russian-Iranian partnership agreement will focus on transport, energy, defense, and regional cooperation. The North-South Transport Corridor, an infrastructure project connecting Russia, Iran, and several other countries, is expected to be one of the “central pillars” of the partnership.

Western sanctions

Both Russia and Iran face significant Western sanctions, including restrictions on their crucial energy sectors.

Last year, Putin signed a similarly titled treaty with North Korea, further strengthening his alliance with Pyongyang. The agreement commits both countries to provide military assistance if the other is invaded or attacked.

The West and Ukraine have long accused North Korea of supplying Russia with millions of artillery shells and missile components.

During a BRICS summit in Kazan last year, Putin told Pezeshkian that he valued the “truly friendly and constructive ties” between Russia and Iran.

Pezeshkian’s visit to Russia comes just days before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who is seeking a swift resolution to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

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