Iran-Russia deal signed: Does it secure Tehran's geopolitical interests?
Iran has long sought an alliance to protect it in the face of potential conflict with adversaries, but the text of the agreement falls short of obligating either party to provide military support in the event of foreign aggression.
TEHRAN — At a Kremlin ceremony on Friday, Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, signed a long-awaited 20-year strategic partnership agreement between their two countries.
"This document has been drafted in accordance with the interests of the two nations and is capable of outlining a bright horizon on the path of bilateral cooperation," Pezeshkian declared at a televised joint press conference with Putin following the signing ceremony, expressing hope that "we will witness a new chapter in strategic collaboration."
Putin also voiced confidence that the new agreement will aid in strengthening future cooperation. "We are aware that what is being done in Tehran-Moscow bilateral ties is under the observation and control of the [Iranian] leader," Putin said, referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been pressing Iranian officials on the agreement for years.
The partnership deal is viewed by Khamenei supporters as a milestone in his "look to the East" policy, pursued with the aim of offsetting international sanctions, which have left Iran's economy in shambles.
