(OPINION) Russian President Vladimir Putin has ratified a strategic partnership treaty with Iran, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA.

This agreement aims to enhance military and diplomatic relations between Moscow and Tehran.

Key aspects of the treaty include mutual commitments not to provide military assistance to third parties in conflicts with the other nation.

Additionally, the treaty sets out a framework for long-term cooperation across various sectors, including defense, counterterrorism, energy, finance, transportation, industry, agriculture, culture, science, and technology.

Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russia’s state legislative body, indicated that this agreement will help synchronize the international actions of both Iran and Russia.

The 20-year strategic partnership pact was initially signed by Putin and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in January, following what has been perceived as heightened international political pressure.

Since the onset of the Ukraine-Russia War in 2022, Iran has provided Russia with thousands of Shahed drones and short-range ballistic missiles. This support has enabled Russia to develop its own drone variants, including the Geran-2.

This alliance is a significant step toward fulfilling the biblical prophecy of the Gog and Magog war outlined in Ezekiel 38–39, which describes a coalition led by a northern power, often identified as Russia, alongside Persia (modern-day Iran) and other nations, uniting against Israel in an end-times conflict.

This partnership builds on years of growing ties. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Iran has supplied Russia with drones and military support, while Russia has provided Iran with advanced weaponry, including S-300 missile systems, and discussed nuclear cooperation.

The treaty’s timing, just before U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, suggests a strategic move to solidify anti-Western alliances.

Discussions also touched on Syria, with both nations emphasizing sovereignty and territorial integrity, reflecting their shared interest in maintaining stability in the Middle East.

The biblical prophecy in Ezekiel 38–39 describes a future war led by “Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal,” who forms a coalition with Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth Togarmah to invade Israel. Many biblical scholars and theologians interpret these names as corresponding to modern nations:

• Magog, Meshech, and Tubal: Often associated with Russia or regions in the Caucasus and Central Asia, due to their northern location relative to Israel and historical ties to Scythian or Turkic peoples.

• Persia: Universally identified as modern Iran.

• Cush and Put: Possibly Sudan/Ethiopia and Libya, respectively, or broader African regions.

• Gomer and Beth Togarmah: Linked to modern Turkey or other areas in the Caucasus.

The prophecy foretells this coalition attacking Israel in a time of peace, only to be supernaturally defeated by God, affirming divine protection over Israel.