Russian President Vladimir Putin has speedily signed into law the ratification of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and Iran, solidifying long-term bilateral cooperation between the two allies, RBC reported.

The document was officially published on Russia’s legal acts portal on April 21, heralding a long-awaited deal which will provide Tehran and Moscow with both economic and military support. The ratification also comes ahead of a potential deal between Iran and the US over the country's nuclear programme. Iran is believed to be a key supplier of weaponry to Russia, including drones like the Shahed, in Moscow's war with Ukraine since 2022, upending conventional military positions. 

The agreement, originally signed on January 17, was formalised during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow, where he met with Putin to discuss expanded diplomatic and economic ties.  

On April 8, Russia’s State Duma unanimously ratified the treaty, which is set to remain in effect for 20 years, with automatic extensions for five-year periods thereafter.

Comprising 47 articles, the agreement outlines a broad range of bilateral cooperation, with approximately one-third of its provisions dedicated to military-technical collaboration and international security.

One key clause stipulates that in the event of an attack on either party, the other must not provide military or material support to the aggressor and instead facilitate a resolution. However, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko clarified that the treaty does not constitute a military alliance between Moscow and Tehran.

Beyond security and defence, the agreement covers trade and economic collaboration, peaceful nuclear energy cooperation, healthcare, education, space exploration, and other key sectors.

During the ratification process, the State Duma highlighted the treaty’s role in strengthening diplomatic ties and coordinating joint actions on international issues, with a particular focus on enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation.

President Putin has hailed the agreement as a breakthrough that would provide the foundations for stable and sustainable development, not only for Russia and Iran, but also for the broader Eurasian region. He stressed that the treaty sets ambitious, long-term objectives, reinforcing a strategic trajectory for both nations.

Echoing this sentiment, President Pezeshkian described the agreement as the start of a new and significant chapter in Iran-Russia relations, underscoring both countries’ commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic collaboration.

The signing takes place as Iran continues negotiations with the United States over its nuclear programme. Both Iran and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations, emphasising that their partnership will remain unaffected by any potential rapprochement with the West.

In an earlier letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Moscow, irrespective of its ongoing diplomatic engagement with the United States, according to Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali.

In a televised interview on April 19, Jalali stressed that the Russian president has echoed the same stance, insisting that Moscow’s engagement with Washington would not undermine its strategic partnership with Iran.

Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US have gained momentum, signalling a potential détente between the long-standing adversaries.