Russia and Iran move to strengthen military ties
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sign a strategic partnership treaty Friday.Evgenia Novozhenina / Pool via AFP - Getty Images
Russia and Iran have moved to strengthen their military and strategic ties, with both nations signing a significant 20-year “strategic partnership” agreement during a visit to Moscow by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. This new accord covers a broad range of areas, including defense, technology, energy, and trade, signaling a deeper and more enduring cooperation between the two countries.
As part of the agreement, Russia and Iran pledged to consult and collaborate in addressing military and security threats. This includes joint military exercises on their respective territories and beyond. Additionally, both countries have agreed not to permit their territories to be used for activities that could threaten the other party, further solidifying their mutual commitment to defense and security.
Iran has been supplying Russia with drones, which have been widely used by Russian forces in their ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Western intelligence sources have also indicated that Iran has provided Russia with ballistic missiles, further strengthening their military ties. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has been seeking to solidify alliances with countries like Iran, China, and North Korea, as it faces increasing isolation from the West.
During a joint press conference following the signing of the treaty, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed their optimism about the future of their relations. Pezeshkian described the treaty as ushering in a “new chapter” for Russia and Iran, highlighting the strengthened strategic partnership between the two nations. This partnership is expected to have significant implications, not just for military cooperation, but also for trade and energy.
One of the key areas of collaboration outlined in the agreement is energy. The two countries are expected to boost their cooperation in the energy sector, with the possibility of enhancing trade through the exchange of resources such as oil and natural gas. Putin mentioned that Russia was considering building new nuclear power units in Iran, further expanding their energy partnership. The collaboration on nuclear energy is particularly significant, as both nations seek to reduce their reliance on Western countries and build stronger ties in this critical sector.
In addition to nuclear power, Russia is also looking to sell surplus natural gas to Iran. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the European Union has drastically reduced its imports of Russian gas, forcing Moscow to seek new customers. Iran presents a promising market for Russia’s surplus gas, and a new pipeline project between the two countries could further strengthen their energy ties. The pipeline, which is still under negotiation, is expected to run through Azerbaijan and could enable Russia to supply up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Iran, according to Putin.
The pipeline is part of broader efforts by Russia and Iran to enhance their economic and geopolitical ties in response to the challenges posed by the West. Both countries have faced sanctions and international pressure, which have pushed them closer together as they look to circumvent Western restrictions. By deepening their cooperation, Russia and Iran aim to bolster their respective economies and strengthen their strategic positions on the global stage.
The agreement also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts, including its support for militant groups in the Middle East. As both countries continue to face international scrutiny and sanctions, their growing alliance is seen as a way to counterbalance Western influence and increase their leverage in global affairs.
In conclusion, the 20-year strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran marks a significant development in their bilateral relations. With a focus on defense, technology, energy, and trade, the treaty paves the way for closer collaboration between the two nations. As both countries navigate their respective challenges on the international stage, this deepened partnership is likely to play a central role in shaping the geopolitical landscape in the years to come.
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