Iranian leader to sign cooperation treaty with Russia in Moscow

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Moscow on Friday for high-level talks with Vladimir V. Putin, his Russian counterpart, cementing an alliance between two countries driven by a mutual desire to challenge the West.

Iran and Russia have been subject to a series of sanctions from the West, and trade and finance are at the forefront of a strategic cooperation agreement the two leaders are expected to sign.

The deal is also expected to cover military issues, but unlike deals Moscow has signed with other allies, the deal with Iran does not include a mutual defense clause, according to Iran’s ambassador to Moscow .

“The independence and security of our country, as well as its autonomy, are very important,” Kazem Jalali told IRNA, an Iranian news agency, according to TASS. “We don’t want to join any bloc.”

Before Mr. Pezeshkian’s arrival, Dmitry S. Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said the signing of the treaty would be a “very important event” for Russia, and Iranian leaders described the president’s trip as more than a simple state visit. represents a strategic turning point.

“This treaty is not only a key turning point that strengthens our bilateral ties,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on the social network Telegram. He added: “This is not just a political agreement, it is the road map for the future. »