ALBAWABA- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Moscow on Friday to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The agreement, which spans defense, trade, energy, science, and culture, marks a significant strengthening of ties between the two nations, raising concerns in Western capitals.
The high-level meeting included discussions on regional developments in the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Both leaders also explored expanding bilateral cooperation in logistics, finance, agriculture, and technology.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the treaty solidifies Russia and Iran’s status as strategic partners, with far-reaching implications for global geopolitics.
This is Pezeshkian’s first Kremlin visit since taking office in July, and his third meeting with Putin. The Iranian president laid a wreath at the Kremlin Wall’s Unknown Soldier’s Tomb before engaging in talks.
Following their discussions, Putin and Pezeshkian signed the treaty, described as a milestone in Russia-Iran relations.
While the signing comes just three days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Kremlin dismissed speculation about any connection, asserting the treaty had been in the works for months.
The alliance builds on a history of cooperation between Russia and Iran, which has deepened in recent years despite international sanctions and tensions.
The partnership comes at a challenging time for Iran, which is facing economic difficulties and a diminished regional influence following the collapse of Assad's regime and setbacks for Tehran-backed groups in Lebanon and Syria.
However, the treaty positions Tehran to counterbalance these challenges while aligning more closely with Moscow’s global strategy.
