Defense Minister Amir Hatami plans to visit Russia soon, RIA news agency reported on Friday, citing a source at the Iranian Defense Ministry. He is expected to hold talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Hatami plans to discuss military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and the latest developments in the region. Iran-Russia military cooperation has significantly increased in recent years after the two regional powers decided to lend their help to the embattled Syrian government in fighting a foreign-backed insurgency. The cooperation played a key role in defeating the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group and other militants, following which Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani declared the fall of IS in November. In what may be regarded as the upcoming visit's agenda, senior lawmaker, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, told TASS on Wednesday that "Iran sees no political obstacles to new supplies of Russian weapons." We have been maintaining military cooperation for many years," the lawmaker said, pointing out that Tehran had purchased S-300 missile systems from Russia.
