Iran and Russia have finalized a long-awaited cooperation agreement to strengthen their ties amidst increasing geopolitical pressures. The 20-year deal, signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, focuses on enhancing military and defense cooperation. It also includes a clause that prohibits either country from allowing its territory to be used for activities that could threaten the other’s safety, or from aiding any party that attacks either nation.
The need for such an agreement has become more urgent due to current events affecting both countries. Russia is dealing with challenges in Ukraine, while Iran is facing Western sanctions and the aftermath of Israeli attacks on its allies in the region, as well as the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
The agreement reflects a shift in the relationship between Russia and Iran, particularly following the loss of their key ally in Syria. Both countries have decided to strengthen their bilateral ties, as evidenced by the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement during Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow. This agreement not only focuses on cooperation regarding Ukraine and evading Western sanctions, but also on the North-South Transport Corridor, a trade route favored by Moscow to facilitate trade from Asia to Russia.
The war in Syria played a significant role in bringing Russia and Iran closer together, as both countries intervened to prevent an opposition victory in 2015. Since then, their relations have expanded to include military, economic, and security cooperation, aimed at bypassing sanctions and countering Western pressures.
While the recent cooperation pact signifies a deepening partnership between Iran and Russia, it does not establish a formal alliance or include a mutual defense clause. This limitation has been evident in their dealings in Syria, where they have sometimes found themselves at odds with each other.
Despite the potential for divergence in certain areas, such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the common goal of countering Western hegemony has kept Russia and Iran aligned. However, the changing dynamics in the Middle East could impact their relationship in the future, particularly as alliances shift and new challenges arise.