The Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs has unanimously recommended ratifying the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Russia and Iran, the Vedomosti newspaper reported on April 2.

Committee Chairman Leonid Slutsky proposed bringing the issue before the lower house of parliament on April 8, according to Russian news agency TASS.

The Iran-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed on January 17, 2025 by Presidents Masoud Pezeshkian and Vladimir Putin during a high-profile ceremony in the Kremlin, establishes a multifaceted strategic relationship. While Western observers have focused primarily on the military dimensions, the treaty's scope is much broader, creating a framework for cooperation across numerous sectors. The agreement establishes a broad 20-year strategic relationship covering multiple domains, including economic cooperation, energy development, transportation infrastructure and scientific collaboration. As part of the specifics, both nations committed not to provide military assistance to any aggressor in case of third-country attacks against either party.

However, with Iran coming under increasing pressure from the US in recent days and a possible US strike on Iranian military positions already threatened by President Donald Trump, the Russian move seeks to block the US administration's moves against the Persian Gulf country. 

Putin submitted the ratification bill to the State Duma on March 27, with lower house Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin stating the document would be considered as a priority in April.

"This agreement represents a new chapter in Russian-Iranian relations," said Slutsky. "It addresses modern challenges and threats while creating opportunities for both nations."

The agreement comes as both countries face ongoing Western sanctions and seek to strengthen their positions in the international system.

The Iranian president said: “We have tried to remove all the obstacles in the way of expanding relations.” He noted relations with Russia are sensitive and strategic for Iran, stressing Tehran’s firm position regarding the expansion of the ties.

He stressed that regional issues should be resolved by the countries within the region without the interference of external powers imposing their policies from afar.

Putin earlier highlighted the 15% increase in the volume of trade exchanges between the two countries over the past 10 months, expressing confidence that the strategic pact would help speed up the development of relations in all dimensions.

“Based on this treaty, we will collaborate on significant joint projects, including the development of nuclear power plants, energy initiatives, tourism, transportation and humanitarian efforts,” he said.

The Russian President also highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation and enhanced regional and international coordination, all grounded in this strategic pact between the two countries.

In a meeting earlier with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the Iranian President described it the agreement as a new chapter in the relations between the two countries.

He said that cooperation between Tehran and Moscow can counteract the sanctions and excessive demands imposed by the United States and Western countries.

The Russian Prime Minister expressed the country's readiness to export gas to Iran, saying negotiations have already been held with the Iranian Oil Minister.

The European Union responded dismissively to the January signing of the strategic treaty between Russia and Iran, characterising the partnership as evidence of Moscow's diplomatic isolation.

"We have a clear position and message that we have always conveyed regarding Russia's cooperation with Iran, and there are no surprises here," EU foreign policy spokesperson Anita Hipper told reporters in Brussels.