• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Russia to sign a strategic partnership pact with President Putin.
• The agreement focuses on expanding trade, transportation, and humanitarian cooperation between the two nations.
• Ukraine and Western nations accuse Tehran of supplying Russia with drones, a claim denied by both countries.
• Iran seeks military support from Russia, particularly advanced air defense systems amidst regional tensions.
• Pezeshkian's visit is strategically timed just before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

In a significant diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin will host Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian this week for the signing of a comprehensive partnership pact, as announced by the Kremlin on Monday. The agreement aims to bolster collaboration in various sectors, including trade, transportation, logistics, and humanitarian affairs, while also addressing urgent regional and international concerns. The signing is scheduled for Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the long-term relationship between Moscow and Tehran. This partnership comes at a time when Ukraine and Western countries have raised alarms over Iran's alleged provision of drones to Russia, reportedly allowing Moscow to conduct extensive long-range strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure, allegations both nations have denied ([source](https://apnews.com/article/russia-iran-putin-pezeshkian-visit-9ba69733bfba43d2461c20952c4a362a)). Amidst escalating regional conflicts, Iran is keen to acquire advanced military equipment from Russia, specifically long-range air defense systems and modern fighter jets, to strengthen its defense capabilities against potential threats from Israel. Iran's military ambitions include aspirations to acquire Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, although so far, they have received limited upgrades, such as Yak-130 trainer jets, in 2023 ([source](https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-says-iran-s-president-will-visit-this-week-sign-partnership-pact-with-putin/7934862.html)). The backdrop of this strategic partnership highlights the increasing pressure on Iran within the Middle East. The Iranian regime faces complications as the so-called Axis of Resistance has weakened, particularly with Hamas and Hezbollah under intense scrutiny and attack. Furthermore, internal dissent is growing within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard concerning their alliance with Russia, as evidenced by an audio leak featuring a general critiquing Russia's role in Iran's challenges in Syria ([source](https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-01-13/russia-says-irans-president-will-visit-this-week-and-sign-a-partnership-pact-with-putin)). As Pezeshkian prepares for his visit, Tehran seeks to solidify its military and economic ties with Moscow in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.