In addition to the specific accords just signed between Russia and Iran at the July 19 Astana Format summit among Russia, Iran and Turkey in Tehran, the two countries are working on a comprehensive strategic cooperation treaty between them. According to an article in RT, republished from RIA Novosti, author Petr Akopov reported that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had brought an Iranian proposal for such a treaty, for Putin’s consideration during a visit to Moscow back in January, and then in June Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov brought Russia’s version to Tehran. According to Akopov, the treaty could be signed as early as later this year.
Akopov commented that, in the case of Iran, “we are not simply dealing with the heir to great civilizations, with an 86-million-strong country, but with one of the strongest nations in the world in spirit. Iran is truly a sovereign country … not bowing to any external pressure.” Akopov added, “that is why Putin’s fifth meeting with Rahbar Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is not just a conversation between two very influential and very experienced statesmen—it is also a meeting between two people who have something to talk about.” Through their cooperation, “each will become stronger—no longer just responding to challenges from the West, but together building a new world where traditionalist peoples can live by their own ways and their own laws.” (https://www.rt.com/russia/559254-putin-visits-tehran-strategic-alliance/)
