Russia and Iran Forge New Military Alliance

Russia and Iran have signed a 20-year treaty to enhance military cooperation, which includes defense, technology, and energy collaboration, as both nations navigate evolving global threats.

In a significant development, Russia and Iran have taken steps to strengthen their military ties, as confirmed during a recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Moscow. The two nations formalized their collaboration through a comprehensive 20-year "strategic partnership" treaty that encompasses various sectors, including defense, technology, energy, and trade.

Iran has been reported to supply drones and, according to Western intelligence, ballistic missiles to Russia. This partnership comes in the context of increased cooperation between Russia and other nations such as China and North Korea, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine since February 2022.

The newly signed treaty not only includes provisions for mutual consultation and cooperation to address military and security challenges but also stipulates joint military exercises on both countries’ territories and potentially beyond. Importantly, both nations have agreed to prevent their territories from being used for any actions that could harm the other side.

President Pezeshkian characterized the signing of the agreement as the emergence of a new phase in relations between Russia and Iran. Additionally, avenues for enhanced trade could arise from bolstered cooperation in the energy sector, which has become increasingly vital given the shifting dynamics in global markets.

At a joint press conference with Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that Russia is contemplating the construction of new nuclear power units in Iran. Moreover, Moscow is seeking to find new customers for its surplus gas as the European Union has significantly curtailed its gas imports from Russia since the conflict began.

The two countries are also negotiating a planned gas pipeline from Russia to Iran, which, if realized, is expected to traverse Azerbaijani territory. Putin stated that Russia may eventually be able to supply Iran with up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually, signaling a significant shift in energy relations within the region.