The story: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is in Moscow to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The two sides have concluded a long-stalled strategic cooperation agreement that builds on an accord initially signed in the early 2000s. Covering economic, scientific, industrial, and security cooperation, the document aims to solidify bilateral ties amid shifting geopolitical landscapes. However, the agreement will stop short of any mutual-defense clause or the effective formation of a new bloc.

The coverage: Ahead of a trip to Tajikistan, Pezeshkian on...