Russia and Iran have committed themselves to each other for the next twenty years. In-depth military and economic cooperation was solemnly signed in Moscow. Because both states are dependent on each other.
During his visit to Moscow, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian signed a strategic partnership agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a live broadcast by Iranian state television showed.
Experts also see the cooperation as a response to the growing political isolation of both countries, which has increased significantly since the Russian attack on Ukraine. Strict international sanctions are weighing heavily on the economies and financial systems of Moscow and Tehran.
Partnership of the isolated
The situation in Ukraine was only discussed in passing. Putin and Pezeshkian emphasized that regional problems should be solved by local actors and that there should be no external interference. What was meant here, of course, was only Western support for the attacked country. Otherwise, both heads of state made no comment on the matter.
According to Iranian media, the agreement includes 47 articles and covers cooperation in areas such as military, politics, trade, research, education and culture. The deal comes amid political unrest in the Middle East and just before the inauguration of newly-elected US President Donald Trump. After years of top-secret negotiations, only a few details have been made public.
Last year, Russia also agreed a strategic partnership with North Korea, which includes mutual military assistance in the event of an attack by a third country.
Iran: No contractual assistance clause
According to Russian state media, Iran announced in advance that it was responsible for its own security and that there was therefore no assistance clause. However, it is likely that both countries will significantly expand their military cooperation.
In practice, Tehran has already supported Moscow by supplying drones, although the Iranian government officially denies direct war aid. Both countries are also moving ahead with the construction of a new north-south rail corridor to promote and accelerate trade.
Moscow and Tehran remain alive
Putin called trade and economic relations one of the most important chapters of the agreement. He admitted that there is still a lot of catching up to do. According to Russian media, the trade volume of both Caspian Sea neighbors is about four billion dollars per year. Russia makes many times this turnover with other neighboring countries, Putin said.
But even with specific projects there are apparently still major problems with implementation. Moscow and Tehran plan to build a gas pipeline. According to Putin, in the final phase, as much as 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year could flow through such a pipeline. But so far both sides cannot agree on the price, as Putin indicated.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
