‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’: Russia and Iran Set to Sign Pact After Presidential Visit

Latest Developments

Pezeshkian to Visit Moscow: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will travel to Russia on January 17 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and sign a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement” between the two nations. The pair will additionally discuss trade and logistics cooperation during Friday’s meeting.
Iran Seeking Air Defense Systems, Warplanes: Iran hopes to acquire advanced Russian air defense systems to reinforce their existing array, which was heavily damaged by the Israeli Air Force during airstrikes on October 26. Tehran is also seeking to add Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to its fleet of outdated military aircraft, a move with precedent after Russia provided the Islamic Republic with trainer jets in 2023.
Recent Military Cooperation: Russia and Iran have maintained frequent military ties throughout Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and Iran’s proxy war against Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas atrocities. U.S. intelligence reported in 2023 that Tehran was supplying explosive drones to Moscow, and reports emerged in September 2024 that Iranian ballistic missiles were also being transferred to Russia. Inversely, The Wall Street Journal reported in October 2024 that Russia was providing targeting data to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen for their ongoing attacks on global shipping.

FDD Expert Response

“This long-delayed agreement will update the legal foundation for Russia and Iran’s evolving partnership. The document will likely include sections promising greater economic, energy, and cultural cooperation, among other things. It is still unclear to what extent the two parties will advance their security ties in the coming years. Their joint venture in Syria went down in flames, and a potential end to the Ukraine war would likely reduce Moscow’s demand for Iranian missiles and drones. In addition, reinvigorated U.S. sanctions on Iran could undermine Tehran’s desire and capacity to pay for Russian arms, which has been a sticking point in Russian-Iranian defense-industrial cooperation.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director

“Though the partnership between Moscow and Tehran remains strong, both nations are increasingly unable to provide each other with the weapons and equipment necessary to support their mutual ambitions. Israel’s targeted strikes on Iranian missile stockpiles and manufacturing facilities have significantly undermined the Islamic Republic’s ability to supply arms to Russia. In turn, Moscow has struggled with its own military interests in Ukraine and Syria. Friday’s meeting between the two leaders provides a critical opportunity to strategize on future cooperation.”— Janatan Sayeh, Research Analyst

“Pezeshkian’s planned visit to meet Vladimir Putin illustrates once again the dangerous partnership that is forming between Iran and Russia. Iran has supplied Russia with drones to attack Ukraine, and Russia has provided Iranian proxies with targeting information and weapons. These examples, along with Friday’s meeting, demonstrate the continually growing partnership between these countries and the threat they pose to their neighbors and the globe.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow