"Presidents of Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal in Moscow on January 17, marking a new era of cooperation, Russian media reported. 

The agreement, an updated version of an earlier agreement signed in 2001, has 47 articles and covers all areas of bilateral cooperation, although specific details have not been disclosed.  The deal's timing comes ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as US president on January 20.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the new agreement between Russia and Iran sets ambitious goals, adding it is "a breakthrough document" for the stable development of the two countries and the entire region.

"This is precisely the meaning of the signed interstate agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership. It sets ambitious goals and outlines guidelines for deepening bilateral cooperation in the long term,” he said.  

He added: “In politics and security, in trade and investment, and humanitarian areas. And this truly breakthrough document aims to create the conditions for stable and sustainable development of Russia and Iran, our entire common Eurasian region," Putin noted.

Putin said that business circles and representatives of the public also interact fruitfully, and youth, parliamentary and interregional contacts are carried out regularly.

The Russian President said that the Russian and Iranian authorities are united in their desire to take bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

He noted: "It is characteristic that our countries have almost completely switched to national currencies in mutual settlements, are striving to build stable channels of credit and banking interaction, and are working on linking national payment systems," as part of his speech.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said the deal provides a new opportunity for Brics and SCO to provide new opportunities for interaction, RIA Novosti reported.

"We have carried out a full review of all our issues and discussed the entire spectrum of our relations," the Iranian president said.

"Beneficial for regional development"

The Iranian president had earlier said, “We have tried to remove all the obstacles in the way of expanding relations,” he said. 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 comprehensive strategic partnership agreement being signed between Russia and Iran represents a long-awaited "pivot to the South," State Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin told RIA Novosti on January 17.

"The alliance with Iran represents the pivot to the South that many politicians have dreamed about, though Russian-Iranian relations have not always been marked by cooperation," Zatulin said, noting that both countries now need to "lean on each other" to address regional challenges.

"Cooperation with Iran is without alternative in regional matters, whether concerning the Middle East, South Caucasus, or building relations with the new independent states of Central Asia. In most cases, we act as partners with Iran, not competitors," Zatulin said.

EU response to deal between Russia and Iran

The European Union responded dismissively to the signing 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.

Hipper claimed the partnership "sends a very clear message that despite Russia's claims, they have no interest in peace and their message is completely disingenuous."

 She argued it "demonstrates that Russia is desperately seeking help for its illegal aggression [in Ukraine] and reveals Russia's real weakness in this area."

The new 47-article agreement, which includes provisions on respecting territorial integrity, will replace a 2001 cooperation treaty.