Iran-Russia pact focuses on trade, sidesteps military alliance
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said in an interview with the IRNA agency that the comprehensive partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran does not anticipate the formation of a military alliance between the countries.
"The agreement includes cooperation in the areas of security and defence, but it is not intended to create a military alliance," said Aragchi. He emphasised that the agreement focuses primarily on the economy and trade, aiming solely to enhance relations between Russia and Iran, without intending to oppose any third party.
Partnership agreement with Moscow
Earlier, Iran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, stated that the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran would be signed during Iranian President Masud Pezeszkian's visit to the Russian capital.
The agreement is expected to be in effect for 20 years. The document comprises a total of 47 articles, covering all aspects of bilateral cooperation.
Iran will not recognise Ukraine's annexation
Jalali emphasised that during the preparation of the agreement, special attention was given to "balance, principles of sovereignty, and respect for the territorial integrity of states". At the same time, according to "Middle East Eye", the document does not foresee Russia's recognition of Crimea and other annexed territories of Ukraine.
Pezeszkian will visit Russia on Friday, 17 January, after his trip to Tajikistan. The Kremlin announced that the agreement between both countries would be signed after talks between Putin and Pezeszkian. The document was ready in the autumn, but its signing was postponed due to the death of Iran's president, Ebrahim Ra’isi.
According to "The Times," prior to Pezeszkian's visit to Russia, there were several secret visits from the advisor to Iran's supreme leader, Ali Larijani, who might have been seeking assistance in implementing the nuclear programme and strengthening the air defence system. Intelligence sources highlighted that Russia might cross previously established "red lines" regarding Iran's nuclear programme due to its strong dependency on supplies of Iranian missiles and drones.
