Russia and Iran to meet with fears Tehran 'could sign pact to trade devastating weapons'

Putin is set to host Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (Image: Getty)

Vladimir Putin is set to host Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian this week, with fears he may urge him to sign a pact that could facilitate the trade of weapons.

The Kremlin revealed that the leaders will be meeting in Moscow on Friday to come to an agreement on their "comprehensive strategic partnership".

They are aiming discuss plans regarding trade, transport, logistics, and "acute issues on the regional and international agenda".

Iran has already been accused of supplying Russia with hundreds of exploding drones to use in long-range strikes on infrastructure in the war with Ukraine, but this has been denied by both countries.

In return, Iran reportedtly wants Russia to supply it with high-tech weapons such as long-range air defence systems and fighter jets in the event of future attacks by Israel.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is due to visit Russia. (Image: Getty)

Tehran would sepcifically like Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to upgrade its fleet that’s been hindered by international sanctions, but so far it's only receieved a few Yak-130 trainer jets.

The Kremlin's statement read: "On 17 January, Vladimir Putin will hold talks with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who will come to Moscow on an official visit.

"Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian will sign the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran."

Russia and Iran have been growing closer since the war with Ukraine began in 2022, with Iran providing Shahed drones that have been used to target civilian infrastructure and power plants.

In October 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country would be signing a strategic partnership with Iran "in the near future", and two months later, an Iranian government spokesperson said an agreement would be met in January.

In June last year, Putin signed an agreement with Kim Jong-un facilitating military support between Russia and North Korea in the event aggression from their adversaries.