Russia and Iran Forge 20-Year Strategic Partnership to Deepen Military and Economic Ties

TDT | Manama

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Russia and Iran have announced a significant boost to their military and economic co-operation, culminating in the signing of a 20-year "strategic partnership" treaty during a visit to Moscow by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The agreement spans key areas, including defense, technology, energy, and trade, marking a new phase in the relationship between the two nations.

Under the treaty, Russia and Iran pledged to collaborate on addressing military and security threats, conduct joint military exercises within and beyond their territories, and prevent their lands from being used for actions threatening the other party.

Iranian President Pezeshkian described the agreement as a milestone, symbolizing a "new chapter" in the ties between Tehran and Moscow. Trade between the two countries is expected to expand, particularly through enhanced energy sector collaboration.

Iran has already supplied drones to Russia and, according to Western intelligence, ballistic missiles, strengthening its role as a critical partner for Moscow. Russia, in turn, has sought closer alliances with Iran, along with China and North Korea, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

During a joint press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted plans to deepen energy ties, including the construction of new nuclear power units in Iran. Moscow is also exploring the sale of surplus gas to Tehran, a move driven by the European Union's significant reduction of Russian gas imports since the Ukraine war began.

A key element of the energy partnership includes negotiations for a gas pipeline from Russia to Iran, potentially routed through Azerbaijan, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev. The pipeline could eventually enable Russia to supply up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Iran.

This partnership underscores Russia's pivot toward strengthening relationships with non-Western allies to counterbalance its geopolitical isolation and economic challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.