Russia-Iran Relations Towards the Next Level - thediplomaticaffairs.com

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Article of the week Foreign Policy World October 13, 2024

Russia-Iran Relations Towards the Next Level

Photo: AFP

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Turkmenistan to discuss their countries’ growing political and economic ties, highlighting changing geopolitical forces. The strategic cooperation between Russia and Iran is being highlighted at this summit, which is taking place against the backdrop of global tensions. This development is raising concerns in Washington and among European allies. Both leaders stressed during the discussions how quickly their nations’ economic and cultural exchanges are expanding. President Putin emphasized the growing strength of bilateral trade, pointing out that the partnership encompasses cultural and technological domains in addition to economic ones. Russia’s desire for closer ties with the Global East and Global South in an effort to offset Western influence is one factor driving this collaboration.

Iran, facing its own set of economic challenges due to international sanctions, views this partnership as an opportunity to bolster its economy through access to Russian markets and technology. The two nations are exploring joint ventures in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, which are seen as mutually beneficial. This economic synergy is further cemented by shared interests in stabilizing regions where both countries have significant stakes.

Politically, Russia and Iran share similar views on key international issues, which further solidifies their alliance. Both leaders criticized what they perceive as the West’s unilateral approach to global politics. Putin has repeatedly framed Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine as part of a larger existential struggle against Western hegemony, a sentiment echoed by President Pezeshkian.

This alignment extends to their positions on Syria, where both countries have supported the government of Bashar al-Assad, and broader Middle Eastern affairs. The strategic military and political cooperation in these areas demonstrates a shared vision for a multipolar world order, challenging the dominance of the United States and its allies.

The deepening ties between Russia and Iran are viewed with apprehension by the United States and the European Union, who are wary of the implications for regional stability and international security. The growing partnership could complicate efforts to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program and might embolden Russia to adopt a more assertive stance in its foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine. As Russia gets ready to host the BRICS meeting in Kazan on October 22–24, this alliance is coming together. Future BRICS discussions with Iran might further change the global economic scene by giving Tehran greater opportunities to get over Western sanctions and better integrate into international markets.

President Putin has committed to strengthening this alliance by inviting President Pezeshkian to an official visit to Russia. The signing of agreements and the creation of long-term strategic plans are frequent outcomes of such trips, showing that both countries are committed to fostering closer relations. An important development in the changing Russia-Iran relationship is the meeting between Putin and Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan. Their expanding political and economic cooperation is evidence of the changing alliances in a world that is changing quickly, even as both countries manage their complicated ties with the West. In the upcoming years, the ramifications of this relationship will surely affect international economic and diplomatic strategy.

By Cora Sulleyman

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