Pezeshkian and Putin Vow to Strengthen Strategic Ties, Xinhua Reports

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin called for strengthening strategic cooperation between Tehran and Moscow during an October 7 phone call, according to Xinhua.

Strategic Cooperation Treaty Guides Relations

President Pezeshkian stressed the need to enhance bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors during his discussion with the Russian leader, noting that continuing on that path serves both nations’ common interests, Xinhua reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that collaborations within the framework of their comprehensive strategic cooperation treaty are continuing despite ongoing developments and events in the region. Putin emphasized the importance of maintaining close relations and cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.

Furthering those diplomatic ties, Mohammadreza Khatibzadeh, head of the Center for Political and International Studies at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, met with Ryabkov in Moscow on Wednesday, Mehr News Agency reported. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, that meeting took place in a friendly, constructive, and trust-based atmosphere aimed at boosting ties within the treaty framework. Both countries signed the Comprehensive Strategic Treaty in Moscow in January 2025, and the document entered into force in October of that same year, according to Mehr News Agency.

Russia Supports Diplomatic Efforts to De-Escalate West Asia Tensions

During their October 7 phone call, President Putin pointed to efforts by certain countries to mediate between Iran and the United States and contribute to the de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, emphasizing that Russia supports those diplomatic efforts and stands ready to play a role, Xinhua reported. That diplomatic positioning follows a military conflict earlier in the year. On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region, while tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was achieved between the warring parties on April 8, and Iran and the United States subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 to end the war on all fronts. Under that memorandum, the two countries were scheduled to hold negotiations within 60 days—ending on August 17—to reach a final agreement. However, Xinhua reported that the two sides failed to make sufficient progress toward a deal as tensions continued to escalate.