Iran's parliament has approved a strategic partnership with Russia that strengthens defense and economic cooperation

The agreement, signed by presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Iran and Russia over a 20-year period. Although it does not contain a mutual defense clause, the pact provides for collaboration against common military threats and joint military exercises. Relations between the two countries have strengthened amid the war in Ukraine, and the recent economic agreement reduces trade tariffs, supporting trade between the Western-sanctioned economies.