The story: Iran is preparing to enter talks with Russia on signing a long-term cooperation agreement that aims to strengthen relations between the two nations. The move follows Iran’s signing of a similar sweeping 25-year roadmap for cooperation with China in March of this year. The Islamic Republic is seeking to consolidate its relationships with non-western powers in line with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s preference for the ‘Look to the east’ doctrine.

The coverage: Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh on Dec. 11 stated that the ministry intended to sign 20-year agreements with Iran’s major neighbors, including Russia. In this context, sources in Tehran indicated to Amwaj.media..