The presidents of Russia and Iran have held talks in the Kremlin before the signing of a broad cooperation pact to deepen their partnership amid stinging Western sanctions.

The agreement is focused more on trade than military issues, but it will bring two countries with a shared desire to challenge the West closer together.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Russia for the signing of a broad cooperation treaty as his country grapples with growing economic problems and other challenges.