REMARKABLY, on January 17, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a cooperation pact, deepening the partnership between two important friendly nations. The new treaty stipulated for 20 years, which serves as a hallmark of promising strategic relations between Tehran and Moscow, is also a harbinger of leveraging military, geopolitical and geoeconomic impact across the region and beyond. Arguably, given the growing tensions in the Middle East region, the said treaty is a testament of rebalancing Middle East power equation. Russia and Iran have entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty that encompasses a wide range of cooperation areas including trade, military, energy and scientific collaboration. This agreement also aims to enhance cooperation between their energy companies and stimulate investments in oil and gas field development. And above all, the strategic cooperation between Russia and Iran is significantly reshaping Middle East geopolitical landscape.
“We witness a new chapter of strategic relations,” the Iranian president said, adding that the countries were set to expand trade ties and also boost the “level of security cooperation.” Welcoming Pezeshkian as they sat down for talks, Putin said the new treaty will “give an additional impulse to practically all areas of our cooperation.” ‘’Desiring to contribute to an objective process of shaping a new just and sustainable multipolar world order based on sovereign equality of states, good faith cooperation, mutual respect for interests, collective solutions to international problems, cultural and civilizational diversity, the rule of international law in accordance with the United Nations Charter, including the renunciation of the threat or use of force, non-interference in internal affairs and respect for the territorial integrity of both States.’’
The treaty consists of 47 articles addressing cooperation in technology, information and cybersecurity, peaceful nuclear energy collaboration, counterterrorism efforts, regional cooperation, environmental issues and combating money laundering and organized crime. There are major five aspects of this treaty: (i) security and defence cooperation, (ii) commitment to territorial integrity, (iii) economic cooperation and energy, (iv) joint efforts in nuclear energy and (v) new payment system and financial system.
Additionally, the two countries have vowed to take part in joint exercises and develop their military-technical cooperation. It is promised if one is attacked, the other shall not assist the aggressor and will seek to resolve differences based on the U.N. Charter and international law. It is also agreed that neither side will allow its territory to be used to support separatist movements or actions threatening the other’s stability and territorial integrity. While addressing the common threats, both sides will use intelligence services.
Initially, the Russian side plans to deliver up to 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, with the possibility of increasing supplies to 55 billion cubic meters in the future. The agreement formalizes Moscow and Tehran’s status as strategic partners and sets a legal framework for long-term cooperation across multiple sectors. Also, this strategic cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly through collaboration on nuclear energy projects, may embolden Iran’s ambitions regarding nuclear capabilities. This cooperation provides Iran with backing and resources that could facilitate its pursuit of nuclear power as Tehran intends to build huge and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) with the help of Russia.
Needless to say, this strategic treaty signifies a notable shift in the geopolitical balance of the Middle East. This agreement follows a period of increasing tension among regional powers. Such cooperation could lead to strengthened military and political connections, potentially influencing while reshaping alliances across the region. Moreover, Russia-Iran military partnership, including Iran’s provision of drones to Russia in exchange for military support, enhances both countries’ regional influence. This alliance is significantly seen to orchestrate a new strategic tapestry against common adversaries, particularly the United States and its allies.
Further, Iran’s strengthened ties with Russia may embolden its position in the Middle East, leading to greater challenges to US dominance and the Israeli agenda of greater Israel. Furthermore, such cooperation could contribute to a more cohesive bloc opposing Western interests globally, complicating diplomatic and military strategies for Western powers. This treaty sends a meaningful message to the Western powers, NATO, the US and Israel as this enhanced military collaboration between Moscow and Tehran can undermine the effectiveness of US-origin defense systems in the region. As for Palestine, Russia and Iran share a common understanding regarding the Palestinian issue characterized by their mutual support for Palestinian rights and opposition to US influence in the region. Both countries are aligned in their view that the West’s stance on Israel is unjust, which has brought them closer in their foreign policy objectives. Their collaboration seeks to undermine U.S. interests in the Middle East, while simultaneously advocating for Palestinian statehood and resistance against perceived Western hegemony.
As for Syria, the impact of the Russia-Iran strategic cooperation treaty is likely to be multifaceted. While the treaty emphasizes a long-term partnership aimed at countering U.S. influence in the region, it could also signal a shift in how Russian support is allocated. As Russia pivots towards a transitional Syrian government and adjusts its alliances in light of changing regional dynamics, the post-Assad landscape may see a more complex interplay between Russian and Iranian interests. The effectiveness and stability of any future Syrian leadership will likely depend on how well they can navigate these powerful influences while maintaining their sovereignty.
And most importantly, the Iran-Russia partnership significantly impacts South Asia through increased economic collaborations and geopolitical strategies. As Iran serves as a transit hub for Russia’s North-South Transport Corridor, it opens vital trade routes to Asia, enhancing connectivity for South Asian countries. This partnership may also shift the balance of power in the region, affecting South Asian nations’ foreign policies and economic alignments, especially with regards to their relationships with China and the West.
—The writer, based in Pakistan, an independent IR & International Law analyst, also an expert in Conflict and Peace Studies (with special focus on Palestine, Kashmir), is member of European Consortium of Political Research (ECPR), including the Washington Foreign Law Society/American Society of International Law. He also deals with the strategic issues.
