Russia and Iran to finalize partnership treaty days before Trump’s inauguration

As President-elect Trump prepares to return to office, Russia and Iran are strengthening their alliance. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Pezeshkian will meet in Moscow on Friday to sign a comprehensive partnership treaty.

This Moscow visit marks President Pezeshkian’s first trip abroad since his election victory in July. He will participate in discussions and the signing ceremony with President Putin.

According to a Reuters report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described Iran as a significant partner with whom Russia is developing extensive cooperation.

The leaders are expected to address the development of trade and energy transit corridors. While Iran aims to become a hub for Russian gas, Bloomberg reports that substantial progress on this project remains uncertain.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently stated that the Biden administration left Russia, China, and Iran comparatively weaker before Trump’s return, despite the Kremlin’s ongoing global actions.

Facing sanctions from the US and its allies, Russia is deepening its ties with other nations opposed to Western interests, including Iran and North Korea. The relationship between Russia and Iran has intensified since the start of the war in Ukraine.

President-elect Trump’s incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia has advocated for a return to a policy of “maximum pressure” against Iran.

“The United States must reinstate a policy of maximum pressure, globally, including standing with the Iranian people and their aspirations for democracy,” Kellogg stated at an event hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Paris.

Kellogg also urged US support for the Iranian people against their government.

Despite concerns from the US and its allies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserts the partnership pact is not directed against any specific country.

“This agreement, similar to our treaty with North Korea, is not targeted at anyone,” Lavrov stated, as reported by [news source].

In June, Putin met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, signing an aid pact that significantly strengthened their relationship. Putin also expressed appreciation for Kim’s support of the Ukraine war.

“We’ve seen Russia desperately trying to develop and strengthen ties with countries that can provide what it needs to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the time.

He added that the US would actively work to cut off support provided by countries like Iran and North Korea.