Russian and Iranian presidents sign partnership treaty at Kremlin ceremony [Video]

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed a broad cooperation pact on Friday as their countries deepened their partnership in the face of stinging 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.

Pezeshkian’s visit comes ahead of Monday’s inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine and take a tougher stance on Iran, which is grappling with growing economic problems and other challenges, including military setbacks in its sphere of influence across the Middle East.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any link with Trump’s inauguration, saying the signing had been planned long ago.

Welcoming …