The story: Russia’s president has authorized the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iran. This follows a Tehran visit by the secretary of the Russian Security Council, preceded by a trip to St. Petersburg by the Iranian national security advisor. The intensified engagement suggests that the two sides wish to move past a row over Moscow’s support for a contentious transit corridor in the South Caucasus, especially amid western pressure over alleged Iranian missile deliveries to Russia.

The exchange of visits also serves as a scene-setter for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming trip to...