Iran’s parliament today approved the 20 -year strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran, state -run media.

It also includes several clauses to enhance the financial partnership, mainly through the enhancement of direct interbank cooperation and promoting their national financial products.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian counterpart Massoud Pezkian signed the text of the strategic partnership on January 17 (central photo).

The Russian legislative adopted the agreement in April. Although the agreement does not include a mutual defense assistance clause, it states that the two countries will work jointly against joint military threats, develop their military technical cooperation and participate in common gymnasiums.

After the war in Ukraine began in 2022, Iran and Russia have deepened military relations, with Western countries accusing Iran of providing missiles and unmanned drones for Russian attacks in Ukraine. Tehran denies that it provides weapons for use by Russia to Ukraine.

A free trade agreement between Iran and the Russian leadership of the Eurasian Economic Union came into force last week, reducing duties to increase trade between the two economies, both under heavy western sanctions.