The Kremlin said Monday that Iran and Russia will sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership” deal on Friday while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is in Russia.
Moscow and Tehran have increased their military and political collaboration in the face of Russia’s full-scale military onslaught on Ukraine and the Middle East crisis, which has alarmed Western nations.
“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 will sign the deal and talk about “prospects for the further expansion of bilateral cooperation, including in trade and investment, transport and logistics, and the humanitarian sphere, as well as topical issues on the regional and international agenda,” according to the Kremlin.
Iran and Russia are both subject to severe Western sanctions, which include limitations on their essential energy sectors.
Putin’s connection with Pyongyang was further cemented last year when he signed a contract with North Korea that bore the same name.
Both parties pledge to support one another militarily in the event of an invasion or attack under that agreement.
North Korea has since sent thousands of soldiers to fight against Ukrainian troops in Russia’s western Kursk region, hundreds of whom have been killed or wounded, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western intelligence.
North Korea has long been accused by the West and Ukraine of supplying Russia with millions of artillery shells and missile parts.
Putin expressed his appreciation for “truly friendly and constructive ties” between Russia and Iran to Pezeshkian during a BRICS summit in Kazan last year.
Iran has reportedly provided Russia with self-detonating “Shahed” drones, which it launches nightly on Ukraine, according to Ukraine and the West.
Days before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office, Pezeshkian travels to Russia.
Trump is seeking a rapid end to both the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
It also comes a month after a rebel offensive overthrew Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad — who was heavily supported by both Moscow and Tehran.
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