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Analysis

Iran-Russia forthcoming agreement cements anti-Western ties, Ukraine cooperation

Russia and Iran are close to signing a major partnership agreement. The document, however, will fall short of a true alliance, as the two are both partners and competitors.

This photograph taken on January 16, 2024, shows partly covered in snow the wreckage of Iranian made Shahed drone launched at Ukraine, at Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At a research facility in Kyiv, forensic experts pour over the wreckage of missiles, working to confirm that despite unprecedented sanctions, Russia is still using imported components to attack Ukraine. The courtyard of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensi
This photograph taken on January 16, 2024, shows partly covered in snow the wreckage of Iranian made Shahed drone launched at Ukraine, at Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. — ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images

TBILISI — Iran and Russia are planning to sign a strategic partnership. Initially thought to be inked on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Russia’s Kazan this week, the Russian media confirmed on Oct. 18 that the document will be signed in Moscow during a separate visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. 

The Iranian ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, argued late last week, a separate visit is preferred in order to underscore the importance of the event. Moscow did not specify a date for the separate visit, but Russian media reported it would be sometime this year.

The strategic partnership agreement will replace the older version that was signed in early 2000s and has been renewed since. This previous agreement covered cooperation on nuclear energy, industry, science, technology, agriculture, public health, various fields of economy, energy transportation and politics. 

Strengthening ties

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