The comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Iran and Russia has entered into force and is "binding for implementation," Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali said, Vedomosti newspaper reported on July 18.

Russia and Iran are the two most sanctioned countries on the planet and have become increasingly close in recent years with multiple contracts, memoranda and deals to support their economies during the Ukraine and Israel wars. 

The ambassador explained that Russia had ratified the treaty in the State Duma and Federation Council, with President Vladimir Putin signing it, whilst the Iranian parliament ratified the document, which was then approved by the Guardian Council of the Constitution before President Masoud Pezeshkian issued it as law.

Consequently, the treaty has "naturally entered into force" in both countries, Jalali said.

The comprehensive strategic partnership treaty was signed on January 17 by the presidents of Russia and Iran following their negotiations in the Kremlin.

The document covers all spheres including defence, counter-terrorism, energy, finance, transport, industry, agriculture, culture, science and technology.

The treaty will remain in effect for 20 years with automatic extension for subsequent five-year periods.

The partnership agreement represents a significant deepening of ties between the two countries, which have faced international sanctions and sought to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

The treaty formalises cooperation frameworks that have been developing between Moscow and Tehran, particularly in energy, defence and trade sectors.

Both countries have increasingly aligned their foreign policy positions on various international issues whilst seeking to reduce dependence on Western financial and technological systems.

The agreement is expected to facilitate increased trade volumes and joint projects between the two nations across the covered sectors.