Iranian, Russian Presidents Hail Expansion of Strategic Ties

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin have commended the strengthening of bilateral relations during a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.

Pezeshkian described Iran-Russia ties as strategic and essential, stating that a strong relationship between the two nations would be mutually beneficial, according to a report on the Iranian president’s website dated October 23.

He expressed gratitude to Russia for supporting Iran’s membership in both the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group of nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Pezeshkian highlighted that both countries could foster constructive collaboration within the BRICS framework and vowed that this cooperation would continue to grow.

The Iranian president called for enhanced political, economic, cultural, scientific, and expert relations between Iran and Russia, adding that preparations for a long-term strategic partnership agreement were underway.

Putin, in turn, stated that “the approaches of Russia and Iran to the global agenda are close or fully coincide.”

“We recently held a very meaningful and, I believe, useful conversation in Ashgabat and reviewed the main aspects of bilateral cooperation and the most pressing regional issues,” the Russian president said referring to the forum held in Turkmenistan’s capital on October 11. 

Putin also indicated that Russia and Iran would soon sign an “Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” although he did not specify the exact signing date.

“We are grateful that you accepted the invitation to visit our country on a separate visit in order to sign this document and other important documents in a formal setting,” he added.

On September 18, Putin accepted a proposal from Russia’s Foreign Ministry to sign the strategic partnership agreement with Iran. This agreement aims to deepen both countries’ economic and strategic ties as they work to counter Western influence and isolation.

Pezeshkian’s attendance at the BRICS summit marks the first time an Iranian president has participated in the event. Iran announced its acceptance into BRICS in August 2023, with official membership starting on January 1, 2024, as it seeks to mitigate the impact of U.S. sanctions and reduce its isolation.

In July 2023, Iran became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a move that enhances Tehran’s ability to engage more actively in regional security and economic affairs. Further advancing Russian-Iranian relations, the Free Trade Agreement between the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union countries and Iran came into effect in May 2024, facilitating cooperation across various sectors.

The two nations are implementing several large-scale joint projects in transport and energy, including the International North-South Transport Corridor project. According to the Kremlin, national currencies are now used in over 96% of transactions between Russia and Iran.

“In 2023, mutual trade exceeded $4 billion, reflecting a 12.4% increase from January to August,” according to a Kremlin press release.

Iran also views the war in Ukraine as an opportunity to deepen Moscow’s reliance on Tehran while acquiring advanced Russian military technology, such as Su-35 fighter jets and the S-400 defense missile system. Additionally, reports suggest that by providing Russia with short-range ballistic missiles, Iran could gain valuable bargaining leverage with Moscow.

At a BRICS security representatives meeting held in Russia in September, Iran proposed creating a “BRICS Security Commission” to address shared global security threats and promote international peace and stability.