The story: Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi have in their latest telephone conversation stressed the need to further expand relations. In line with the two countries’ shared goal of deepening economic ties, a major Russian business delegation is planning to visit Iran. This comes amid allegations that Moscow has been using Iranian drones in its war in Ukraine.

The coverage: Raisi and Putin spoke on the phone on Nov. 12, just three days after the Iranian president met with visiting Russian security chief Nikolai Patrushev in Tehran.

• The Iranian president's office said Raisi "welcomed Russia's desire to strengthen economic cooperation" with the Islamic Republic.
  
  
• Raisi hailed the increased number of "diplomatic and business" trips between the two capitals and said they were important for "enhancing and strengthening" cooperation.
  
  
• The Kremlin said that Putin and Raisi had discussed...