Iran and Russia to Sign 20-Year Strategic Pact as Pezeshkian Meets Putin Ahead of Trump's Inauguration

Jan 17, 2025, 08:02 AM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Moscow on Friday after a visit to Tajikistan, marking his first official trip to Russia since assuming office in July. He is scheduled to meet with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin before holding talks with President Vladimir Putin. The leaders are expected to sign a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, a 20-year pact aimed at deepening bilateral relations across various sectors, similar to an agreement Russia signed with North Korea last year. Discussions will focus on expanding economic ties, regional issues including the Middle East situation, and Iran's nuclear program. The visit comes ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, as both countries brace for potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.