Russia's Defense Minister Highlights Advancing Relations With Iran

Russia's Defense Minister says despite opposition from much of the Western world, Russia and Iran have taken their relations to a higher level.

During his visit to Tehran on Tuesday, Sergei Shoigu said, "We are pursuing a comprehensive range of planned activities, notwithstanding opposition from the United States and its Western allies."

He went on to emphasize that the pressure of sanctions on both Russia and Iran has proven to be “ineffective”, while the interaction between Russia and Iran is progressing to a new stage.

For his part, Mohammad Baqeri, the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, declared that Tehran and Moscow have intentions to solidify their military and technical cooperation through a long-term treaty.

Baqeri characterized the relations between Tehran and Moscow as "advancing and evolving" and disclosed that, based on decisions made by the leaders of both nations, a document outlining their long-term cooperation will soon be finalized.

Baqeri also noted that a joint military exercise between Iran and Russia is slated for February, with the objective of bolstering military ties between the two nations.

Shoigu arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, leading a delegation of Russian military officials.

The news of increased military cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Russia comes at a time when Tehran's provision of military support to Moscow during the Russian war on Ukraine has led to yet more sanctions.

Although officials from the Islamic Republic have consistently denied any involvement or cooperation with Russia during the Ukraine war, the United States, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand have imposed sanctions on Iran based on on-site evidence and intelligence, alleging its supply of drones to Russia.