Iranian President Will Address Russian Duma

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will address the Russian State Duma today.

The State Duma meeting will convene in a friendly atmosphere as President Raisi is expected to deliver warm messages to Moscow on behalf of Tehran. Raisi will also convey his desire to increase bilateral cooperation in trade and security as both nations struggle with tense relations with the West.

The main purpose of Raisi’s state visit is to secure a hefty defense agreement with Moscow during the short-to medium-term. This would help Iran in enhancing its equipment capacity, allowing it to keep pace with its militarizing regional rivals like Israel and Saudi Arabia.

As Russia does not acknowledge the US-led unilateral arms embargo on Iran, Tehran views Russia as the best alternative for arms supply. A prospective defense deal is expected to include the sale of Russian SU-35 fighter jets and S-400 missile systems to Iran.

While Russia is wary about Iran’s ability to pay for the expensive weapons deal, it is still in their best interest to maintain a partnership with Iran as a long-term balance against the Western powers. Therefore, it is likely that Russia will be lenient towards Iran in terms of their payment plan.