Russia Nearing Historic Treaty with Iran, Says Top Official

Russia is on the verge of signing a new bilateral treaty with Iran, according to Sergei Shoigu. The agreement would mark growing ties between Russia and states opposed to the U.S., including North Korea, since the Ukraine war began. The U.S. alleges Iran supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, which Tehran denies.

Russia is close to finalizing a new bilateral treaty with Iran, state news agency TASS reported on Tuesday, quoting top security official Sergei Shoigu. 'We look forward to the imminent conclusion of a new basic interstate treaty. We are completing the internal procedures necessary for the signing of documents by the presidents,' Shoigu said.

Moscow has fostered stronger relations with Iran and other U.S. adversaries like North Korea since the Ukraine war started two and a half years ago. The United States accuses both nations of assisting Russia's war efforts, an allegation Moscow denies. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran and was likely to deploy them within weeks.

Conversely, a senior Iranian official on Monday refuted claims that Tehran had provided Moscow with these missiles. Russia has been vocal about its intention to sign a significant partnership treaty with Iran, but Shoigu's recent remarks indicate the deal is now imminent.

(With inputs from agencies.)