Iran and Russia take steps to deepen their military cooperation.

Russia and Iran have agreed to strengthen their military ties, as announced during a visit to Moscow by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two nations signed a 20-year "strategic partnership" treaty, which encompasses defense, technology, energy, and trade sectors.

Iran currently provides drones to Russia, and Western intelligence suggests it also supplies ballistic missiles. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has been deepening its relationships with Iran, China, and North Korea.

Under the treaty, both countries committed to collaborating on military and security challenges and conducting joint military exercises both within their territories and internationally. They also agreed to prevent their territories from being used for actions that could threaten the other.

President Pezeshkian stated that the agreement marks the beginning of a new era in Russian-Iranian relations. The two countries are expected to boost trade significantly, particularly through increased cooperation in the energy sector.

During a joint press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned that Russia is considering constructing new nuclear power units in Iran. Additionally, Moscow is looking to sell its surplus gas to Tehran, as the European Union has drastically reduced its gas imports from Russia following the Ukraine conflict, prompting Russia to seek new buyers.

According to Interfax, citing Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, the planned gas pipeline from Russia to Iran will pass through Azerbaijan if the project is realized. Putin stated that Russia could potentially supply up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Iran.