Moscow: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Moscow on Friday to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia. After laying a wreath at the Memorial to the Unknown Soldiers near the Kremlin Wall, Pezeshkian arrived at the Kremlin (Russia's presidential office) for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is Pezeshkian's third meeting with Putin after his election as Iran's president in July 2024. 

Comprehensive strategic partnership agreement to be signed

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' that Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian will sign covers all areas from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture. The two leaders are going to sign this treaty at a time when Donald Trump is going to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. Trump has promised to establish peace in Ukraine and take a tough stand against Iran, which is facing challenges on the economic side as well as military setbacks in its dominant areas in West Asia. 

No connection to Trump's swearing-in ceremony

According to Kremlin spokesman Peskov, Putin welcomed Pezeshkian, who arrived for talks, and said that "the new treaty will give an additional impetus to practically all areas of mutual cooperation." At the same time, Pezeshkian emphasized the "strategic importance" of Russia-Iran relations and said that this treaty will provide a "strong foundation for future steps". Dmitry Peskov denied any connection between Trump's swearing-in ceremony and the timing of the signing of the treaty. He said that the schedule for signing the treaty was decided long ago.

Relations between Russia and Iran have strengthened

Relations between Russia and Iran have strengthened following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine and Western countries have accused Iran of providing hundreds of drones to Russia for use against Ukraine. However, both countries have rejected these allegations.