Relations between Iran and Russia continue to warm amidst an increasingly unstable geopolitical climate. The two allies signed a cooperative agreement this week, signaling Tehran and Moscow will lean on each other more as they similarly face a slew of Western sanctions.

Russian and Iranian officials say the "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" covers all areas -— from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture.

For Moscow, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Russia on Jan. 17 is a diplomatic victory. The trip's centerpiece will be the finalization of a long-heralded partnership deal between Russia and Iran,