On January 16, 2025, Iranian President Massud Peseschkian is set to arrive in Moscow to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This agreement, which has been in development for five years, encompasses 47 points covering technology, cybersecurity, organized crime, and environmental issues.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has stated that this document is an updated version of a previous agreement established between 2003 and 2013, formalizing existing ties between the two nations.
Historically, both countries have engaged in significant partnership agreements, including a 25-year partnership between Iran and China during a prior reformist government. Observers note that not all factions within Iran may agree with the concessions made in the current agreement.
Russia has also entered similar agreements with Mongolia, Vietnam, and North Korea, the latter of which drew global attention due to its secretive terms regarding military cooperation.
Despite concerns about military assistance, Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, clarified that the agreement does not include mutual military support, emphasizing a focus on security and counter-terrorism efforts.
Economic collaboration is anticipated to be a major aspect of the agreement, with Iranian political analysts suggesting it could help both nations counteract U.S. sanctions. Iran is seeking foreign investment, particularly in its oil and gas sectors, while Russia aims to establish alternative export routes amid geopolitical tensions.
In addition, the agreement aims to enhance trade relations, with plans for Iranian markets to accept Russian payment systems and efforts to conduct financial transactions outside of the SWIFT system.