Russia’s Federation Council okays strategic partnership deal with Iran
The Russian Federation Council ratified the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and Iran, solidifying a long-term alliance between the two countries across key sectors, including defense, energy, and technology.
It came weeks after Russia’s lower house of parliament had ratified the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Iran, marking a significant step in the expansion of political and economic relations between Moscow and Tehran.
The treaty was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow in January. Putin submitted it to the State Duma in March.
Russian leader called it a “breakthrough document,” and the Iranian president said it would “open a new chapter in relations between Iran and Russia in all fields.”
It provides the legal framework for the long-term development of cooperation in areas ranging from defense, energy, finances, and transportation to industries, agriculture, culture, science, and technology. Based on the treaty, Russia and Iran are committed to helping each other counter common “security threats” and exchange intelligence in that direction.
The agreement also stipulates that if either side is subjected to aggression, the other will not provide “assistance to the aggressor.”
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said in an address to the State Duma, “The signing of the treaty does not mean the establishment of a military alliance with Iran or mutual military assistance.”
The Russia-Iran treaty promotes investment in oil and gas development, joint long-term projects in peaceful nuclear energy, and the creation of a payment system independent of third countries, which uses national currencies.
State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said earlier that the treaty would strengthen relations in terms of both bilateral cooperation and coordination on international issues.
He said the agreement underscores the expansion of inter-parliamentary relations, including within international parliamentary organizations and through the commission on cooperation between the State Duma and the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iran and Russia, as two close and strategic allies, have over the past years deepened their relations in various fields despite heavy Western sanctions.