**Russia and Iran to Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement**
Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17. During their meeting, the two leaders will sign a strategic partnership agreement. This deal is expected to strengthen the military and political ties between Russia and Iran.
The partnership agreement will focus on several areas, including trade, investment, transport, logistics, and humanitarian cooperation. It will also cover current issues on the regional and international agenda.
**Growing Military Partnership**
Russia and Iran have been increasing their cooperation in recent years. In 2022, Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine led to an intensification of their partnership. Iran has provided Russia with drones used in attacks against Ukrainian cities, as well as short-range ballistic missiles.
With Iranian help, Russia has started producing its own variants of the Shahed drones called Geran-2.
**Confronting Western Order**
Both Russia and Iran have been at odds with the West, particularly over their support for militant groups in the Middle East. Their alliance suffered a blow last December when Syrian rebels ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, who was supported by both countries.
**Previous Partnership Deals**
Last June, Putin signed a similar partnership agreement with North Korea. The deal included military support between the two countries in case of an armed attack. Just months after the deal, North Korea sent up to 12,000 troops to help fend off a Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Oblast.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com