Iran and Russia Set to Sign 20-Year Strategic Partnership to Bolster Defense and Trade

Iran and Russia are preparing to sign a strategic partnership agreement aimed at deepening cooperation across critical sectors. The agreement, expected to be finalized on January 17 during a meeting between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow, will focus on defense, energy, and other key areas, including “acute issues on the regional and international agenda,” according to Moscow.

This 20-year deal signals a closer alliance between Iran and Russia, aiming to enhance their influence in regional and global affairs. Positioned as a stand against unilateralism and foreign interference, the partnership is said to embrace sovereignty, fairness, and multilateralism.

The North-South Corridor, a key component of the agreement, is a international trade route connecting Iran, Russia, Europe, and Asia. Highlighting a 15% rise in trade last year, the agreement seeks to further strengthen economic ties through shared markets, infrastructure projects, and collaboration on energy production, exports, and renewable technologies, with Russia transferring expertise to Iran.

Joint efforts in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and medical sciences are central to the partnership, with universities and research institutions driving innovation. Simplified travel protocols and cultural initiatives aim to foster stronger ties and “mutual understanding”.

According to RIA Novosti, the agreement, while widely seen as geopolitically driven, emphasizes defense and security collaboration, framing it as a step toward regional stability and "global peace." Both nations, citing their experience in combating terrorism and extremism, present the partnership as a move toward fostering stability in the region.

The agreement also aligns with Iran and Russia’s participation in international organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS , and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Tehran of supplying Moscow with hundreds of drones for use in the war in Ukraine and assisting with their production in Russia. Despite denials from both Moscow and Tehran, evidence indicates these drones have enabled long-range strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. Additionally, Iran has reportedly held secret diplomatic talks with Russia to strengthen military and defense ties, according to a Times report on January 13.