Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Friday for the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran. This agreement, according to the Kremlin, will take their cooperation to new heights. The timing of the pact coincides with the January 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker peace in Ukraine and take a firmer stance on Iran.
A history of rivalry
Despite the current alliance, the relationship between Russia and Iran has been marred by a long history of rivalry. The two nations fought wars in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Russian Empire capturing vast territories in the Caucasus and Caspian regions, areas that were previously under Persian control. In the early 20th century, Russian troops occupied northern Iran, but the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 ended this occupation.
World War II further strained relations when both the Soviet Union and Britain invaded Iran, a move that still evokes painful memories in Tehran. During the Cold War, Tehran was a staunch U.S. ally under the Shah, but after his ousting in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini denounced both the U.S. and the USSR. In fact, he referred to the U.S. as the “Great Satan” and the Soviet Union as the “Lesser Satan.”
A changing dynamic
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russian-Iranian relations began to thaw. Moscow became a significant trade partner and a key supplier of weapons and technology to Iran, especially after Tehran faced international isolation due to sanctions. One of the most notable examples of this cooperation was Russia’s construction of Iran’s first nuclear power plant in Bushehr, which became operational in 2013.
In 2015, Russia played an instrumental role in the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and six other powers. Under this agreement, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Russia’s support for Iran remained firm even when the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the deal under President Trump’s first term.
Allies in the Syrian civil war
The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, saw Russia and Iran join forces to bolster President Bashar Assad’s government. In 2015, Russia launched a military campaign in Syria, working alongside Iranian forces and their proxies to help Assad regain control over much of the country. However, recent developments in Syria, including the swift collapse of Assad’s rule after a lightning opposition offensive, highlighted the limitations of this alliance.
Military and economic cooperation
Despite their shared interests, there are ongoing complexities in Russian-Iranian relations. In 2022, it was reported that Russia and Iran signed a $1.7 billion deal for the purchase of Shahed drones. Furthermore, the U.S. has alleged that Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, though neither Moscow nor Tehran has confirmed these claims.
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Iran has shown strong political support for Russia, particularly in justifying the conflict in Ukraine. This cooperation is likely motivated by Tehran’s desire for financial and defence assistance from Moscow, especially after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal and mounting pressure in the Middle East. Tehran is particularly keen on acquiring Russian long-range air defence systems and advanced fighter jets to strengthen its military capabilities, which have been hampered by Western sanctions.
A comprehensive partnership agreement
The new treaty between Russia and Iran, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, covers various sectors including trade, military cooperation, science, education, and culture. He dismissed any connection between the signing of the agreement and the inauguration of President Trump, stating that it had been planned long in advance. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the agreement as “comprehensive,” emphasising its strong economic aspect while also covering defence and security cooperation.
Underlying tensions
Despite the rhetoric of mutual cooperation, there remains a deep-seated suspicion of Russia within Iran, rooted in their complex history. Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force directly answerable to the Supreme Leader, has been particularly vocal in expressing discontent over Moscow’s actions, particularly regarding Syria. Recently, a leaked audio recording featured a senior Revolutionary Guard general blaming Russia for many of the setbacks Iran experienced in Syria.
In conclusion, while Russia and Iran have forged a strategic partnership, the relationship remains fraught with historical tensions and underlying doubts, especially within the Iranian leadership. Their cooperation, particularly in military and economic sectors, will likely continue to evolve, but it is clear that old rivalries are not easily erased.
