Iranian parliament approves strategic partnership pact with Russia

Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran’s parliament has ratified a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement with Russia, a major development that underscores the deepening alliance between the two countries.

The bill, which was signed earlier this year, was approved in a public session held on May 21, Iranian state media reported.

According to the Tasnim news agency, lawmakers had previously voted to urgently review the legislation, which was then placed on the parliamentary agenda.

Following a session in which both supporters and opponents voiced their views, the general outline of the bill passed with 191 votes in favour, eight against, and two abstentions.

The agreement, which was officially signed in January during a ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, is intended to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

While it does not include a mutual defense clause, the pact calls for coordinated action against shared military threats, increased military-technical collaboration, and the staging of joint exercises.

The two nations also pledged to enhance cooperation between their intelligence and security agencies, with a particular focus on countering common security threats of both a regional and bilateral nature.

Last month, the Russian Duma ratified the agreement, which sets out a 20-year timeframe with the possibility of a five-year extension. In addition to defense cooperation, the pact outlines efforts to bolster collaboration in finance, energy, and trade, signaling a broader strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran.

The ratification comes at a time when both countries are under significant economic pressure due to sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies. Iran, in particular, remains under threat of military action from the US and Israel over its nuclear program, despite ongoing but stalled negotiations with Washington.

The agreement reflects the increasing convergence between Iran and Russia, particularly as Tehran has acknowledged supplying missiles and drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine.

In return, Moscow has reportedly assisted in reinforcing Iran’s air defense systems.

This long-term partnership signifies a calculated move by both countries to consolidate their geopolitical positions, counter Western influence, and forge stronger ties in the face of shared external pressures.