Iran’s Minister of Defense met with his Russian counterpart in Moscow on Monday to discuss expanding military and defense cooperation, according to Iran’s ambassador to Russia.

Why it matters:

Iran and Russia have steadily deepened their military and political ties in recent years. Both countries are facing increasing pressure from the West and have found common ground in opposing U.S. and Israeli influence in the region.

 

The big picture

The meeting comes in the wake of Israeli and U.S. 12-day imposed war against Iran, highlighting the strategic significance of military coordination between Tehran and Moscow. 

  • Iran’s Defense Minister also accompanied Ali Larijani, senior advisor to Leader of Islamic Revolution, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Sunday.

 

What he is saying:

Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, said the focus of the meeting was on “strengthening cooperation in defense and military fields.”

 

Go deeper:

Leader's Advisor Larijani Meets Putin at the Kremlin

 

M.Majdi - seyed mohammad kazemi