Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday in Turkmenistan, where both leaders emphasized the strengthening economic relationship between their nations and their aligned perspectives on global issues, a development that raises concerns in the United States.

In opposition to Washington and the European Union regarding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, which Putin frames as part of a broader existential battle against a self-serving West, he is eager to enhance connections with what he refers to as the Global East and Global South.

As Russia prepares to host a BRICS summit in Kazan from October 22-24, Putin extended an invitation to Pezeshkian for an official visit to Russia, a proposal that the Iranian president accepted, as reported by Russia’s state RIA news agency.

Pezeshkian reportedly stated, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, “Our economic and cultural exchanges are being fortified daily and are becoming increasingly resilient.”

The increasing collaboration between Iran and Russia, driven by the intentions of their respective leaders, should be expedited to enhance their relationship, he stated. Last month, Pezeshkian pledged to strengthen his nation’s ties with Russia as a means to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions. Both nations are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a strategic partnership agreement, which Pezeshkian expressed hope could be completed during the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia later this month.

The United States views the deepening connection between Moscow and Tehran with apprehension, having accused Iran of providing ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, a claim that Tehran has refuted.

NEW WORLD ORDER ON THE HORIZON, PUTIN STATES

Russia has announced that its collaboration with Iran is deepening across various sectors. According to the TASS news agency, Putin remarked to Pezeshkian during a conference in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, that both nations are actively engaging in the international arena and share similar perspectives on global events.

Pezeshkian, as reported by IRNA, emphasized the significant complementary strengths of Iran and Russia, suggesting that their positions in the world align more closely with each other than with other nations. He previously criticized Israel for its actions in the Middle East, urging it to “stop killing innocent people,” and pointed out that these actions are supported by the U.S. and EU. Russia has also condemned Israel’s military operations, which it claims are aimed at ensuring its own security, particularly when they target civilian areas.

Putin further noted that economic relations between Moscow and Tehran are on the rise. In statements released by the Kremlin earlier on Friday, he indicated that a new world order is taking shape, with emerging centers of economic growth and political influence. He expressed Russia’s support for extensive international dialogue regarding this evolving multipolar world and its willingness to engage in discussions through various platforms, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and BRICS.