Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday vowed to strengthen Iran’s cooperation with Russia as a countermeasure to Western sanctions. This statement comes amidst growing concerns in the U.S. over Tehran’s alleged supply of missiles to Moscow for use in the war against Ukraine, Reuters reports.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Tehran shortly after meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang.
More than two years after the war with Ukraine began, Russia seeks to deepen ties with countries hostile to the United States, including Iran and North Korea.
“My government is firmly committed to enhancing cooperation and pursuing measures that will improve the level of relations between our two countries,” Pezeshkian told the Russian official, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
“The relations between Tehran and Moscow will develop steadily and continuously. Strengthening cooperation between Iran and Russia will mitigate the impact of sanctions,” the Iranian president added.
U.S. Concerns
The United States has voiced concerns over Russia’s growing ties with Iran and North Korea, asserting that both nations are supplying ballistic missiles to Moscow for use in the Ukraine conflict. Iran has denied providing missiles to Russia, while Moscow has stated that Iran is a key partner in all possible areas.
Crucial Moment in the War
Shoigu’s visit comes at a critical juncture in the war, as Kyiv continues to pressure its Western allies to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons against strategic targets deep inside Russian territory, including military airfields. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that if such strikes are allowed, it would mean that NATO countries are in direct conflict with Russia, and Moscow will respond accordingly.
Iran’s Nour news agency, affiliated with the Supreme National Security Council, reported that Shoigu met with his Iranian counterpart, Ali Akbar Ahmadian. However, no immediate details about the outcomes of the meeting were released.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it is close to signing a major agreement with Iran to formalize a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Sergei Shoigu, who was Russia’s Minister of Defense until May, now heads the Russian Security Council, which brings together key military and intelligence leaders, as well as other top officials advising President Vladimir Putin.
