Official statements from the U.S. State Department or White House

Iran and Russia Ink 20-Year Strategic Partnership Treaty Ahead of Trump's Inauguration

Jan 15, 2025, 07:07 PM

Iran and Russia are set to sign a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty on January 17, 2025, during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Moscow. This 47-article agreement aims to reshape their bilateral engagement for the next two decades. The treaty will cover various areas of cooperation, including defense, security, technology, and trade. It replaces a previous agreement from 2001 and is seen as a response to the changing geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of the recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the ongoing Ukraine war. The agreement is not directed against any third country, but it signifies a deepening of ties between Moscow and Tehran, who are both under Western sanctions. The treaty includes provisions for mutual security and defense cooperation, but it does not include a mutual defense clause similar to those in agreements with North Korea and Belarus. The signing of this treaty comes just days before Donald Trump's inauguration, adding a sense of urgency to the event.