The conclusion of a 20-year Russian-Iranian cooperation agreement lays the foundation for new changes in the regional relations system and covers a wide range of issues.
In the modern period following the collapse of the USSR, unlike some other Islamic countries, Iran did not support ethnic separatism or religious extremism in the North Caucasus and was not involved in subversive activities during the civil conflict in Chechnya. The ideological factor (communism and Shi’ism) in the relationship has receded into history, giving way to pragmatism. Russia assisted Iran in building its first-ever nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Moscow supported the 2015–2016 decision to partially lift sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program and has consistently recognized Tehran’s right to develop a peaceful nuclear agenda.
Russia has valued Iran’s pragmatism and rationalism in ensuring regional peace and security in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. In turn, during the 1990s, Tehran opposed the West’s ambitious plans to enter the Caspian energy basin through pipeline policies favouring Azerbaijan and altering transit routes for strategic resources (oil and gas) bypassing Russia.
A special focus in Russian-Iranian relations is on preventing NATO’s eastward expansion into post-Soviet space and maintaining Russia’s stabilizing military-political role in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Accordingly, Moscow and Tehran have long worked together to ensure the security of the Caspian Sea from foreign military presence. As a result of prolonged efforts and diplomacy among the Caspian states, a consensus was reached in August 2018 to sign the well-known convention in Aktau.
With the onset of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine, Iran was one of the few countries to support Russia’s stance against NATO expansion into post-Soviet territory and Moscow’s right to defend its interests against the threats posed by the North Atlantic bloc. International media occasionally report on military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran, which, fundamentally, is within the sovereign rights of both nations.
A positive example of Russian-Iranian partnership is their cooperation in the Middle East, particularly in countering international terrorism in Syria. For example, Russian Aerospace Forces and the Iranian IRGC effectively collaborated in Syria to defeat ISIS and al-Qaeda (both banned in Russia), while their foreign ministries engaged in balanced negotiations under the Astana platform. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Damascus in December 2024 came as a surprise to both Moscow and Tehran, significantly altering the balance of power in the Middle East.
Russia and Iran share a common stance on the Palestinian tragedy, supporting the creation of an independent Palestine and condemning aggressive solutions to the Palestinian issue by Israel and its Western allies. Russia advocates for a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and denounces the policy of ethnic cleansing against Gaza’s Arab population.
Russia and Iran also cooperate effectively in ensuring regional security in the South Caucasus, where Iran has utilized its connection through neighbouring Armenia to develop free trade with the EAEU. Moscow and Tehran are key participants in the “3+3” platform to discuss political and economic issues in the South Caucasus, where the primary principle is excluding external interference.
In the context of the emerging multipolar world order and global changes, Moscow and Tehran reject U.S. hegemony. Both nations are partners in key international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.
Considering systemic changes in the global economy and the formation of international transport corridors driven by geography and politics, Russia and Iran are leading participants in constructing the strategic “North-South” logistics route. This route will optimize the flow of goods and passengers, providing access to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, under the pressure of harsh economic sanctions from the collective West, Russia and Iran have adapted to new realities. Unlike other regional countries (e.g., Turkey), Tehran is virtually immune to U.S. financial pressures and does not leverage the threat of sanctions in its trade relations with Russia. Moscow and Tehran have developed trade using national currencies and their payment systems.
These factors have stimulated closer cooperation between the two countries, necessitating the signing of this comprehensive agreement. However, this does not imply that Russia and Iran are free from disagreements on specific issues (e.g., the launch of the Zangezur Corridor or the routes of the “North-South” transport corridor). Such contradictions are natural in relations between sovereign states and do not lead to conflicts.
What Areas of Strategic Partnership Are Included in the Comprehensive Agreement Between Russia and Iran?
Many experts anticipated that the agreement would be signed during the BRICS summit in Kazan in the fall of 2024. However, the forum’s format and the ongoing work on the agreement’s draft appear to have required additional time. Ultimately, on January 17 in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Mesud Pezeshkian signed the strategic partnership agreement, marking a new era in bilateral cooperation.
The comprehensive agreement extends beyond economic collaboration and encompasses several critical areas, including transportation, energy, defense, and security. It is built on principles of fairness and multipolarity.
A key aspect of transport and logistics cooperation is the implementation of the “North-South” international transport corridor (ITC), which may involve multiple routes through neighboring countries in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Caspian Sea. This large-scale project will simplify logistics between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, promote economic growth in both Russia and Iran, and stimulate trade turnover between the two nations. The functioning of the “North-South” ITC is also expected to have a positive impact on regional security in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Cooperation in the energy sector will create new opportunities for modernizing Iran’s oil and gas industry with the involvement of Russian companies. Moscow has already supported Iran’s proposal to establish a gas hub on the shores of the Persian Gulf. The two sides are also discussing the construction of a new gas pipeline from Russia to Iran via the land territory of Azerbaijan.
Following the negotiations, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev announced that the Russia-Iran gas pipeline project has been signed. The pipeline will pass through Azerbaijan and have a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas.
This demonstrates Moscow and Tehran’s ability to effectively bypass Western sanctions and establish efficient economic ties.
Naturally, an essential component of the new agreement is the Russian-Iranian partnership in the areas of security and defense. Both countries are keen to strengthen cooperation in countering international terrorism, advancing military-technical collaboration, and exchanging advanced defense technologies.
In summary, the signed comprehensive agreement between Russia and Iran will strengthen bilateral relations and represent a significant step toward shaping a multipolar world.
Alexander SVARANTS – Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor