Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Iranian counterpart Friday for the signing of a broad pact between Moscow and Tehran. The Kremlin says the “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement between Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will take their cooperation to a new level.

Iran and Russia are angling to position themselves before the incoming Trump administration takes office next week.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said in an interview with the IRNA agency that the comprehensive partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran does not anticipate the formation of a military alliance between the countries.