Russia and Iran have entered into a 20-year cooperation agreement to enhance their military and economic collaboration. Iranian President Pezeshkian visited Russian President Putin in Moscow to discuss intensifying intelligence and security cooperation, exchanging military personnel, and expanding collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
Unlike a previous agreement between Russia and North Korea, the Russia-Iran deal does not include a mutual defense clause. However, it specifies that neither country will support the aggressor if one is subjected to aggression.
Western countries have accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, a claim Iran officially denies. Last year, Iran joined BRICS, a group established as a counterweight to the G7.
Western sanctions have been imposed on both Russia and Iran, and this agreement aims to alleviate some restrictions and strengthen their regional positions. Following the fall of Syria’s Assad regime, Iran lost an important ally, further weakening its ‘Axis of Resistance’.
The agreement is set for automatic renewals in five-year increments after the initial 20-year period.
Source: NOS