Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh last month announced that a 20-year cooperation agreement with Russia had entered the final stages of development, adding that “permission from the cabinet to conduct negotiations” was being obtained. The two countries in 2001 signed a 10-year cooperation treaty, which has since been extended twice for five-years terms. Against this backdrop, conservative President Ebrahim Raisi is expected to soon embark on a state visit to Russia.

Recognizing Tehran and Moscow’s strategic relationship, then foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in July 2020 announced Iran’s readiness to again extend the 2001 cooperation treaty. At present, the details of the floated 20-year deal remain vague, but any agreement will likely open the door for increased cooperation between the two countries, possibly helping Tehran achieve many foreign policy priorities. Importantly, the possible deal with Russia follows Iran’s signing in March 2021 of a landmark 25-year “cooperation roadmap” with China...