Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty on Friday, which includes closer defense cooperation, raising concerns in the West.
Key points of the treaty include:
- General Cooperation: Deepening the relationship in all areas of mutual interest, strengthening security and defense cooperation, and coordinating activities at regional and global levels.
- Security: Working together against common military threats, participating in joint exercises, and developing military-technical cooperation. Both sides agreed not to assist an aggressor and to resolve differences based on the U.N. Charter and international law.
- Energy: Promoting cooperation between energy companies and encouraging investments in oil and gas field development projects.
- Nuclear: Collaborating on long-term joint projects for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the construction of nuclear power stations.
- Trade: Creating a modern payment system independent of third countries, with settlements in national currencies, and strengthening direct interbank cooperation.
The treaty aims to enhance bilateral relations and mitigate the impact of Western sanctions on both countries.