Putin, Pezeshkian to discuss Middle East developments in Moscow

On January 17 Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are holding talks in Moscow, focusing on developments in the Middle East, including the situations in Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Discussions will also encompass the South Caucasus region and matters surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"The upcoming highest-level talks are expected to touch on the key issues of global and regional agendas of mutual interest, including the developments in the Middle East, including in Syria and in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone," the statement confirmed.

Highlighting the strength of Russian-Iranian relations, the statement noted that ties between the two countries are "on a rise, intensively developing under the principles of mutual respect and due regard for interests."

Following the meeting, the two nations are expected to sign a new bilateral agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The agreement will formalize a "new level reached by the Russian-Iranian ties [and] outlines the legal frameworks for their subsequent development in all directions in the long run," the statement explained.

The upcoming agreement between Russia and Iran, comes just days before Donald Trump, a vocal critic of Iran, assumes office in the United States. The treaty marks a step towards formalizing the growing partnership between Moscow and Tehran, built over years of deepening cooperation.

Iran has reportedly provided Russia with "Shahed" drones used in attacks on Ukraine, according to Ukrainian and Western officials, while both nations have boosted trade amidst Western sanctions.

The Kremlin stated the treaty would enhance "military-political and trade-economic" relations, though specific details remain undisclosed. Iranian officials have confirmed the treaty will not include a mutual defence clause, unlike Russia's recent agreement with North Korea.

The new treaty replaces the 2001 agreement that has governed Russian-Iranian relations and been periodically renewed over the years.

By Aghakazim Guliyev