The New Russia-Iran Strategic Alliance

Moscow and Tehran have been working toward a new deal for years, but what matters more is the impact it will have on the future global order.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow was a historic event that opened up a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Russia and Iran that have existed for 400 years. A key moment of the visit was the signing of the strategic partnership agreement, which not only reinforces the longstanding collaboration between the two nations but also signifies a shift toward deeper and more comprehensive cooperation on the global stage. This agreement symbolizes Tehran and Moscow’s commitment to jointly addressing global challenges, confirming their determination to boost cooperation in the political, economic, and cultural fields.

What’s in the agreement?

The full text of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, consisting of 47 provisions, has been published on the official Kremlin website. Key provisions outline the parties’ commitment to fostering trade and economic cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, and also state that the countries will actively cooperate in conducting joint military exercises.

The agreement states that the parties will refrain from providing military or other assistance to an aggressor in the case of an attack on either nation. Additionally, Iran and Russia agreed to take measures to prevent the use of their territories for supporting separatist movements that threaten territorial integrity. Moscow and Tehran aim to work closely together in combating international terrorism and other threats, while opposing unilateral coercive measures that they view as violations of international law.

It’s essential to clarify that the agreement does not cover military-technical cooperation. However, this doesn’t rule out such an agreement being signed in the future. 

The agreement also indicates that both parties are committed to close cooperation on arms control and ensuring international security within the framework of international treaties and organizations which they are part of. This provision holds strategic significance, as it underscores Moscow’s and Tehran’s readiness to coordinate their actions regarding global security. This wording suggests that Russia and Iran may become full-fledged allies in the future in response to changing circumstances or times.

The document gives particular attention to economic matters. Iran and Russia agreed not to join sanctions imposed by third parties against each other and not to impose unilateral coercive measures. Plans are underway to establish an independent payment infrastructure, reducing dependence on third countries, as well as to develop joint projects in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, including the construction of nuclear power facilities.

One of the key goals of the agreement is to increase the trade volume between the two nations, which makes perfect sense given the mutual interests and potential of both countries. For reference, trade between Russia and Iran amounted to a mere $4.5 billion in 2024 (in 2021, it was just $1.5 billion, which means that trade has increased threefold in the past three years, but this is still insufficient). In contrast, trade with Turkey has surged in recent years, exceeding $60 billion. This agreement will create favorable conditions for deeper mutual understanding between the two countries.

To bolster cultural and informational exchange, the parties agreed to promote cooperation between media outlets in both countries to counter disinformation and negative propaganda. The countries also intend to work together on disaster prevention and technological safety issues.

The construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to Iran via Azerbaijan was another key aspect of the agreement. The sides also agreed on pricing strategies.

The 20-year pact highlights the long-term nature of the partnership, and can later be automatically extended.

Positions of the leaders of the two countries

The talks between Putin and Pezeshkian lasted over three hours, and were attended by key Russian and Iranian officials. During the meeting, Putin asked Pezeshkian to convey his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, adding that Moscow is aware that “everything done on the Iran-Russia track is under his personal supervision.”

Khamenei has long been a major proponent of deepening ties with Russia. As early as the 2000s, he identified Moscow as one of the key centers of power in international relations. His statements reflect a strategic vision for the future world order, where Russia plays a key role as a counterbalance to the unipolar system promoted by the West. Khamenei believes that close cooperation with Russia is essential for Iran in order to bolster its independence, sovereignty, and standing on the global stage.

When Iran faced increasing pressure from the West, including sanctions and attempts at isolation, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the need to deepen ties with Russia and China. He pointed out that collaboration with Moscow and Beijing could create new economic, political, and technological opportunities for Iran. In his view, a strategic partnership with Russia aligns with Iran’s national interests and serves as a crucial element in countering external challenges. Simply put, his consistent policy aims to resist the unilateral pressure exerted by the West, including sanctions and efforts to isolate Iran.

Putin’s mention of Khamenei also reflects Russia’s respect for Iran’s political system and recognition of the supreme leader as the main architect of the country’s foreign policy. This indicates a high level of engagement between the two nations, grounded not only in practical interests but also the appreciation of each other’s unique political realities. In light of the recent agreement, it is clear that cooperation between Russia and Iran has entered a new phase, thanks to the efforts of both sides. For Iran, this agreement presents an opportunity to bolster its sovereignty and international influence, while for Russia, it is important for building resilient alliances amid a shifting global order.

Tehran consistently notes the similarity of views between Russia and Iran on critical international issues, including respect for international law and the rejection of interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. These shared views have established a solid foundation for strengthening bilateral relations, and reflect the desire of both countries to forge a new model of international cooperation.

The agreement has caused concern in the West

The signing of the strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran is the logical result of the long cooperation between the two countries. 

On the Iranian side, one of the key people behind the agreement was the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who played a key role in formulating the idea of strategic partnership. Three years ago, in January 2022, during a visit to Moscow, Raisi emphasized the importance of a long-term agreement that would benefit both countries. In the course of the negotiations, he stressed that a strategic partnership with Russia was not just desirable but essential for Iran amid increasing pressure from the West.

Raisi viewed this agreement as a crucial tool for bolstering Iran’s sovereignty, expanding its economic horizons, and ensuring regional security. He noted that such a partnership should not only serve as a platform for jointly addressing external challenges but also serve as an example of how two independent nations can forge new models of mutually beneficial cooperation.

It’s no surprise that the signing of this strategic agreement has made the West nervous. While some Western media outlets rushed to downplay its significance, claiming that it would merely be symbolic, the atmosphere was quite different behind the scenes. The West is already discussing a potential new package of sanctions against Iran, which it believes had acted “brazenly” by “ignoring” the European position, even though Tehran had expressed its willingness to sign similar agreements with the EU.

In recent weeks, Iran’s foreign minister engaged in a series of phone calls with his European counterparts. Reports indicated that EU representatives were practically pleading with Tehran to back away from the agreement with Moscow. In return, they allegedly offered to lift some of the sanctions, presenting this as a “gesture of goodwill” from the West. However, for Tehran, this agreement is fundamentally important and non-negotiable. Iran has made it clear that its long-term partnership with Russia is not merely an economic or political deal – it’s a strategic choice aligned with the country’s interests and national security.

The West’s reaction indicates that it is aware of the significance of the agreement. Its economic, political, and geopolitical implications are evident, and the prospect of a growing Russia-Iran partnership threatens to undermine the strategic plans of the West. Meanwhile, Tehran has demonstrated a commitment to shaping its policy based on long-term interests and confidence in its own capabilities, and intends to resist external pressure.

Short-term and long-term goals

Both nations share similar views on critical international security issues, including opposition to a unipolar world order and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. By solidifying these commitments in the agreement, Moscow and Tehran show that they do not dismiss the possibility of forming a closer alliance if the changing times or their strategic interests demand it.

Currently, however, the primary goal is to dismantle economic barriers and mitigate the pressure exerted by the West on both nations through sanctions and other restrictive measures. The economic cooperation outlined in the agreement lays the groundwork for enduring ties that can help minimize the adverse effects of external pressure. It also opens up new opportunities for collaborative projects aimed at boosting the economies of both countries. As the West actively seeks to isolate Russia and Iran, strengthening their economic partnership becomes a crucial step towards establishing alternative channels for interaction and creating a new model of international relations.

In light of the circumstances in Syria and those concerning Iran’s proxy networks, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, it appears that Iran intends to focus on internal reforms and strengthen its positions. This shift indicates Tehran’s intention to rethink its strategy, moving towards a more pragmatic approach aimed at strengthening the nation in the long term. Iran is now committed to improving its economic situation, implementing structural reforms, and reducing external pressure. Aware of the weight of Western sanctions and their impact on its economy, Tehran is working to offset these effects by developing local industries and enhancing trade connections with key partners such as Russia and China. This strategy not only helps Iran withstand sanctions but also lays the foundation for future economic growth.

Iran is also interested in strengthening ties with neighboring countries. Improving relations with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states is becoming a vital part of its new strategy. By lowering regional tensions, Iran aims to regain its influence, positioning itself as a stable and robust player in the Middle East. Tehran seeks to act not only as a military force but also as an economic and diplomatic hub capable of addressing regional issues through cooperation.

This course reflects Iran’s strategic foresight: by boosting its economy and establishing reliable ties with its neighbors, it can restore its regional standing while minimizing the risks associated with isolation or a direct confrontation. The decision to focus on internal development and reclaim its lost influence demonstrates that Tehran has learned from the past and is prepared to adapt to new realities, choosing a path of pragmatism and internal consolidation.

This means that we are undoubtedly witnessing an epochal event that marks a new chapter in Russia-Iran relations. The agreement not only solidifies cooperation between the two countries but also demonstrates their readiness to shape a new multipolar world order based on equality, mutual respect, and independence from external pressure. The significance of this development extends far beyond the region, and influences the global geopolitical landscape.

Moscow and Tehran have turned a new page in their history, and the effect of this cooperation will be felt for years to come. To ignore or downplay this event is to underestimate its importance for the future of global politics.

Farhad Ibragimov – expert, lecturer at the Faculty of Economics at RUDN University, visiting lecturer at the Institute of Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration