Russia, Iran sign strategic partnership treaty

On January 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty in Moscow, aimed at elevating bilateral relations across various sectors including trade, military cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The treaty, comprising 47 articles, is set to guide their relationship for at least the next 20 years, addressing contemporary geopolitical realities. Putin emphasized the treaty would provide added momentum to their cooperation, while Pezeshkian described it as a solid foundation for future relations. Despite the treaty's broad scope, it does not create a formal defense alliance, as clarified by Iranian officials. The two nations have strengthened ties in recent years, particularly following Russia's military actions in Ukraine and Iran's support through military supplies, which has raised concerns in the West. Pezeshkian also highlighted the importance of regional self-resolution of conflicts without external interference, implicitly referring to U.S. involvement in the Middle East.