Iran approves 20-year strategic pact with Russia

Iran’s parliament on Wednesday ratified a 20-year strategic cooperation agreement with Russia, a move that signals deeper military and economic alignment between the two countries.

The deal, originally signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17, was previously approved by Russia’s parliament in April. While the agreement stops short of including a mutual defense clause, it outlines cooperation on military-technical development, joint exercises, and coordination against shared security threats.

Iran and Russia have grown closer since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. Western governments have accused Tehran of supplying drones and missiles for Russian use in Ukraine—claims Iran denies.

Beyond defense, the agreement also includes plans to expand economic collaboration. It promotes direct cooperation between Iranian and Russian banks and encourages the use of national currencies in trade. The move comes amid ongoing sanctions on both economies by the US and its allies.

Last week, a free trade agreement between Iran and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union also came into effect, further reducing tariffs and opening the door to greater commercial exchange.

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