Russia and Iran officially become allies: Putin ratifies strategic agreement
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law ratifying the treaty with Iran on a comprehensive strategic partnership. The corresponding document was published on April 21, according to the official Russian legal acts publication website.
"To ratify the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, signed in the city of Moscow on January 17, 2025," the document states.
The treaty provides that Russia and Iran will officially cooperate in the fields of politics, trade, economy, energy, transport, investment, infrastructure, security, and defense.
It is noted that Iran and Russia have agreed on joint developments in the field of information technology, cooperation in education and culture, sports, healthcare, as well as other areas of "mutual interest."
Cooperation on security and defense
The treaty includes a separate provision on cooperation in the areas of security and defense between the two countries. Russia and Iran have agreed that if either party faces aggression, the other must not, under any circumstances, assist the aggressor.
"The other party must not provide the aggressor with military or any other assistance that would support the continuation of its actions," the agreement states.
Another clause outlines cooperation on the development of international transport corridors that pass through the territories of Russia and Iran.
Earlier, on April 16, the Russian Federation Council ratified the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran.
Russia-Iran cooperation
Russia and Iran have long maintained close cooperation, albeit unofficially. Iran is one of the countries actively supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine and has provided military assistance. Notably, back in 2022, Iran supplied Russia with kamikaze drones, which the occupiers have used to attack Ukrainians.
In addition, The Wall Street Journal reported last year that Russia has been receiving short-range ballistic missiles from Iran.
At the time, the US State Department stated that the United States and its partners were prepared to take serious action against Iran over the possible transfer of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.
The EU also received intelligence confirming Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia.
Iran’s Ministry of Defense officially denied the missile transfers. However, an Iranian lawmaker confirmed the deliveries to the media, stating that Tehran receives US dollars for its arms sales and circumvents sanctions through its partnership with Russia. In return, Iran imports soybeans, corn, and other goods from Russia.
