Every dictator wants to show pictures of their great alliances. Putin went to Iran, Xi went to Iran. But now that Iran is under attack, they are nowhere to be found, because in reality, to dictators alliances means nothing.
Instead, eighth now Russian propagandists are explaining that Iran is a friend but not a military ally, and Putin needs to focus on the very important war in Ukraine. So that is worth remembering next time they claim another great alliance.