Russia has retracted statements indicating a major agreement with Iran was suspended due to challenges with Tehran.
Iran has been supplying weapons to the Russian military, like the Shahed Drone, since the conflict in Ukraine started in February 2022. This drone was used by Ukraine to target civilian infrastructure.
During a meeting between Putin and Iran’s former President Ebrahim Raisi in September of the same year, they announced progress on a new deal between Moscow and Tehran.
In January, the Russian Foreign Ministry mentioned that Putin and Raisi were finalizing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.
Issues arose after Raisi’s death and the deaths of other officials in a May helicopter accident, causing a delay in the agreement. Zamir Kabulov stated to RIA Novosti that progress had been halted but expressed confidence in its eventual conclusion.
Kazem Jaalali, Iran’s Ambassador to Moscow, mentioned to Vedomosti News Agency that an agreement is expected after the June 28 presidential election for Raisi’s successor.
According to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, Jalili stated that the agreement was nearing completion, and would have been signed if not for the air accident involving the helicopter carrying the late Iranian president.
Tass reported Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman, as saying that while Tehran’s elections caused a slight delay in the timeline, it did not alter the big picture.
Iran is a crucial ally for Russia, and their military and financial ties are deepening, causing concerns in the United States and Israel.
Peskov mentioned that Tehran’s diplomacy might face challenges until a new President is elected and a new cabinet is in place.