Russia and Iran are moving towards strengthening military ties

Russia and Iran have agreed to closer military cooperation, in a move announced during President Massoud Pezhekian’s visit to Moscow.

The two countries signed a 20-year “strategic partnership” treaty covering areas ranging from defense and technology to energy and trade.

According to Western intelligence, Iran already supplies drones and ballistic missiles to Russia.

Russia has forged closer ties with China and North Korea, as well as Iran, since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In the treaty, Russia and Iran promised to consult and cooperate to combat military and security threats, as well as participate in joint military exercises in both their regions and beyond.

They also agreed that they would not allow their territories to be used for activities that could pose a threat to the other side.

Iranian President Pezeshkian said the signing of the agreement means that Russia and Iran are entering a new chapter of relations.

Greater cooperation in the energy sector can significantly increase trade between the two countries.

During a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country is considering building new nuclear power units in Iran.

Moscow also wants to sell some of its surplus gas to Tehran. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the EU has significantly reduced gas imports from Russia, prompting Moscow to seek new customers.

A planned gas pipeline from Russia to Iran, which the countries are negotiating, will be laid through the territory of Azerbaijan, the Interfax news agency quoted Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev as saying on Friday.

Putin said Russia could eventually supply Iran with 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year.