Russia and Iran will sign a strategic partnership agreement “in the near future,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday, as political and military ties between the two countries deepen.
Both under heavy Western sanctions, Russia and Iran have strengthened their ties since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Iran widely believed to be supplying Russia with weapons.
Last week, President Vladimir Putin, who has called Russian-Iranian relations a “priority” for his country, invited Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Russia to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement.
“The treaty is being prepared for signing in the near future,” Lavrov said at a Eurasian security summit in Belarus.
“It will affirm both parties’ commitment to closer defense cooperation and collaboration for regional and global peace and security,” Lavrov added in televised remarks.
Last week, Russian lawmakers ratified a similar strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, amid widespread reports that thousands of North Korean troops were sent to help Russia in its fight against Ukraine.
Western governments have accused Iran of providing drones and missiles to Russia, charges Tehran denies. The EU imposed sanctions on Iran over the suspected supply of drones for the Russian military.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
