Russia attempts to strengthen economic cooperation with Iran - ISW
Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin (photo: Russian media)
On Monday, September 30, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Iran. The purpose of the visit is to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries, according to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Specifically, Mishustin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed hopes that Russia and Iran would sign a long-awaited comprehensive agreement on strategic cooperation at the upcoming BRICS summit, scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, Tatarstan.
The Russian Prime Minister also held discussions with Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref to explore opportunities for Russian investments in various sectors in Iran. Additionally, Mishustin met with Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad.
According to Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, Mishustin's visit will particularly focus on developing trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Russian and Iranian officials are likely viewing expanded economic and financial cooperation as a necessary component of the overall intensification of Russian-Iranian relations.
Iran's partnership with Russia
Iran is one of Russia's allies and provides military support to Vladimir Putin's regime. Notably, Tehran transferred Shahed drones to Moscow back in 2022, which have been used in nearly daily attacks on Ukraine. Additionally, Iranian specialists have established drone production facilities within Russia.
Last week, US President Joe Biden called for an end to Russia's collaboration with Iran, as well as with China and North Korea, in the interest of establishing peace in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Tehran delivered a large shipment of ballistic missiles to Moscow. In response, the US imposed sanctions on the Middle Eastern nation.
Subsequently, the Iranian president claimed that his country did not endorse Russia's aggression against Ukraine, seemingly attempting to mitigate American sanctions.
