On January 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with visiting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. After the talks, the two sides signed the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and Iran.”
Russia and Iran had previously signed the “Treaty on the Basis of Relations and Principles of Cooperation” in 2001. Both parties stated that due to the current external environment and changes in Russo-Iranian relations, an updated version was needed, thus the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and Iran” was born. The treaty is not aimed at any third parties and is intended to promote the economic, social development, and defense construction of both countries.
Reports suggest that the preparation for the Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement took three years and was delayed due to reasons such as the tragic death of Iranian President Raisi in May 2024. In October 2024, Iranian President Raisi and Putin agreed to finalize the treaty signing date during the BRICS leaders’ informal meeting in Kazan, Russia.
On January 20, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will officially take office. Some analysts believe that Russia and Iran intentionally chose this time to sign the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
Experts analyze that the upgrade of bilateral relations between Russia and Iran is a strategic consideration by both countries, and the timing of the signing has coincidental factors.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russia has gradually strengthened its relationship with Iran, with ongoing negotiations aimed at upgrading bilateral relations. The signing of this agreement shows breakthroughs in cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economics, strategy, regional affairs, and culture, marking a new level of cooperation.
Trump’s election as U.S. president indirectly pushed Iran to sign the agreement with Russia as soon as possible. Given Trump’s hardline policies toward Iran, the formal signing of the strategic agreement before his inauguration also helps both Russia and Iran respond to pressures and challenges from the U.S.
Even if Trump pushes for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, for Russia, negotiations remain difficult. Strengthening strategic relations with Iran may provide Russia with more leverage and initiative. For Iran, upgrading bilateral relations with Russia in the face of a more complicated Middle East situation would also enhance external support.
In recent years, the international landscape has undergone significant changes. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has dragged on, the spillover effects of the new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict have continued to expand, and the regime change in Syria has taken place.
Experts further analyze that, in this context, upgrading Russo-Iranian relations is beneficial for promoting regional stability.
First, strengthening cooperation in security, economy, culture, and diplomacy between Russia and Iran is conducive to the development of both countries. Particularly after the Syrian crisis, with the trajectory of the new Syrian regime undecided, strengthening cooperation between Russia and Iran helps enhance and consolidate their influence in the Middle East.
Second, upgrading Russo-Iranian bilateral relations is beneficial for economic cooperation. Both Russia and Iran are members of “OPEC+” and have recently been working on a natural gas pipeline from Russia to Iran.
Third, both Iran and Russia are currently facing comprehensive Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Their strengthened strategic cooperation, to some extent, enhances their ability to withstand Western pressures.
Fourth, the signing of the treaty between Russia and Iran helps promote regional stability. It is important to note that the treaty is not a military alliance, as it only includes provisions on strengthening military exercises and avoiding cooperation with third parties that would harm each other’s security interests. It does not involve military assistance, indicating that the treaty is, to some extent, a summary and enhancement of past Russo-Iranian relations rather than a shift toward a military alliance.
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