Moscow: Russia, Iran nearing strategic agreement

Discussions on a strategic agreement between Russia and Iran are ongoing and the signing of such an agreement is expected “shortly”, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released late yesterday.

Over the past year, numerous reports have highlighted a significant rapprochement between Iran and Russia. Intelligence agencies have been examining for months the possibility of the two nations concluding a strategic security agreement. This deal would resemble the strategic agreement Russia recently signed with North Korea.

The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement said: “Negotiations on the strategic security partnership between Russia and Iran are ongoing, with the signing of agreements anticipated shortly, with a particular focus on military cooperation.”

In recent months, Russia signed a strategic partnership agreement with North Korea, initiating the transfer of submarine and nuclear technologies. Intelligence experts fear that a similar agreement with Iran could significantly enhance Iran’s nuclear programme and satellite fleet, alongside the possibility of Iran acquiring advanced fighter jets from Russia.

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