Tasnim� Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami described the growing relations between Tehran and Moscow as �strategic� and said the two countries have taken major strides in boosting their military ties.

Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Brigadier General Hatami said the Islamic Republic views its relations with Russia as strategic because the ties are comprehensive and cover all political, economic and military fields.

�In terms of military and defense cooperation, Iran and Russia have taken good steps,� he said, adding that the national interests of the two countries are considered in the efforts to deepen the bilateral relations.

The defense minister further said Tehran and Moscow have sale and purchase contracts in the military sphere in line with the interests of both countries.

Iran and Russia have formed a strong alliance in recent years, with both supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad�s legitimate government against foreign-backed militancy.

In August 2016, Iran let Russian fighter jets use its Nojeh military airbase for missions in Syria.