Russia and Iran's Strategic Alliance: A New Security Factor

Russia and Iran are on the verge of signing a comprehensive partnership agreement that envisages closer defense policy cooperation, as recently announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Amid the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East between Iran and Israel, this rapprochement is raising concerns in the West. The proposed agreement aims to strengthen Russian-Iranian relations and pursue regional and global security interests. The signing is expected to occur in the near future, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian anticipated to visit Moscow by the end of the year to ratify the agreement. Lavrov emphasized that the partnership envisions deeper engagement in the defense sector, without providing more specific details about the nature of the cooperation. Since the onset of the Ukraine crisis, Russia has intensified its relations not only with Iran but also with North Korea. Similarly, a comprehensive partnership with North Korea was agreed upon in June, which includes a defense clause. The US and NATO claim that about 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to Russia, which Russia does not deny, yet intends to implement according to its own priorities. In addition to efforts for stronger military cooperation, there have been claims that Iran has provided Russia with short-range missiles, which Tehran denies. These alleged deliveries have led the US to impose sanctions on the involved ships and companies. The cooperation between Russia and Iran is considered particularly sensitive, especially given current geopolitical tensions. The Kremlin did not comment on the allegations regarding Iranian missile transfers but underscored the strategic significance of the bilateral relations.