MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, this week to solidify a wide-ranging partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran, the Kremlin announced on Monday.
The “comprehensive strategic partnership” pact will be formalised during President Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow on Friday. According to the Kremlin, the agreement signifies a deepening of ties between the two nations amid growing economic and geopolitical pressures. Discussions will encompass plans to expand trade relations and cooperation in transport, logistics, and humanitarian initiatives. Regional and international issues will also feature prominently in their talks.
Strengthening bilateral relations
The partnership pact reflects a shared interest in countering mounting pressures from the West. Both countries have faced stringent sanctions—Russia due to its ongoing war in Ukraine and Iran because of its controversial nuclear programme and regional activities.
The two nations have grown increasingly aligned, with Iran accused by Ukraine and its Western allies of providing Russia with military-grade drones. These drones, allegedly used in the conflict against Ukraine, have been denied by both Moscow and Tehran. Simultaneously, Tehran reportedly seeks advanced Russian military hardware, including long-range air defence systems and fighter jets, to bolster its own defences.
While Tehran has long coveted Russia’s sophisticated Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to replace its ageing fleet, it has thus far only received a limited number of Yak-130 trainer aircraft. Observers suggest that the upcoming meeting could pave the way for Iran to acquire more advanced weaponry, including the Su-35s, which Tehran views as essential for countering potential strikes by regional adversaries like Israel.
The geopolitical context
Pezeshkian’s visit comes at a critical juncture, just days ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has vowed to mediate a peace deal in Ukraine, a move that could complicate Russia’s strategic calculus.
For Iran, the visit offers an opportunity to strengthen its position amid increasing regional challenges. Tehran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance”—comprising groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria—has faced significant setbacks in recent months. Israeli offensives have severely weakened Hamas and Hezbollah, while Syria’s government has seen its resources dwindle after years of costly conflict.
Iran’s economy also remains in dire straits following the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement, which once provided sanctions relief in exchange for limits on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Economic hardships have been compounded by Israeli strikes targeting Russian-supplied S-300 air defence systems within Iran, highlighting vulnerabilities in Tehran’s military infrastructure.
Strategic challenges within Iran
Internally, Iran’s political and military landscape is fraught with tensions. The Revolutionary Guard, a powerful paramilitary force answerable directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has expressed growing dissatisfaction with Russia. Last week, a leaked audio recording surfaced in Iranian media, featuring a Guard general criticising Moscow for what he described as betrayals in Syria.
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Despite these strains, Tehran likely views the partnership agreement with Moscow as a critical means to secure both financial and defence assurances. Experts believe Iran will seek to leverage the pact to gain greater economic support and access to advanced weaponry.
A shifting alliance
For Russia, strengthening ties with Iran serves as a counterbalance to Western sanctions and international isolation. The partnership also provides Moscow with additional leverage in the Middle East, a region where it has increasingly sought to assert its influence.
However, analysts caution that the relationship between the two nations is far from a true alliance. While they share overlapping interests, their long-term goals often diverge, particularly in regions like Syria, where both countries have competed for influence.
Looking ahead
As the world watches Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow, the outcomes could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. The partnership pact is expected to reinforce ties between the two nations, but it may also expose underlying tensions as they navigate a complex web of mutual interests and competing priorities.
This visit marks a significant chapter in the evolving relationship between Moscow and Tehran, with potential ripple effects across global politics and security.
