In a move to bolster their strategic alliance amid ongoing tensions with the West and extensive sanctions, Iranian officials are deepening ties with Russia.

During a meeting at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian National Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasized the importance of the relationship.

"We are now on the path of fighting the totalitarianism and unilateralism of the Western governments led by the United States," Kanaani stated.

Kanaani hailed the current state of Iran-Russia relations as one of the most robust in their history.

"Relations between the two countries are in one of the best historical periods" he reiterated.

He did not mention issues of contention such as Russia's siding with the United Arab Emirates over islands Iran claims as its own.

He also did not mention the stalled Iran-Russia cooperation agreement which Iran has gone to great lengths to say is merely under review.

Emphasizing enhancing bilateral ties, Kanaani highlighted said this week, "We fully support the expansion of cultural relations between our two countries".

A recent report by Chatham House, a British think tank based in London, suggested that the future of Iranian-Russian relations hinges on the stance of the next Iranian president.

Iranian president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, set out his government’s foreign policy in an open letter to the world Friday, praising eastern powers and attacking the west.

Iran has become a major military partner for Russia, supporting Putin in the war on Ukraine by providing drones used on civilian areas. It has resulted in global sanctions for both countries.