Russia and Iran are poised to sign a “comprehensive strategic” partnership agreement, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko announced the impending agreement, describing it as a “historical document” in a statement to the Russian News Agency TASS on Tuesday, July 23.
Rudenko noted that the treaty, which has been in preparation for two and a half years, aims to elevate Russia-Iran relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The final text of the agreement was completed on June 21 by experts from the legal and regional departments of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although Rudenko did not disclose specific details, TASS reported that the agreement is expected to be signed during the BRICS summit in October.
Both Russia and Iran are key allies of the Assad regime in Syria, maintaining substantial security, military, and economic influence in the region. Their cooperation has included extensive military support for Assad since Russia’s official intervention in 2015. Despite this alliance, there have been ongoing disputes between Moscow and Tehran, particularly over energy contracts, economic resources, and the reconstruction of Syria.
An analysis by the Washington Institute for Near East Studies, published in April, suggests that the current strategic environment motivates Moscow and Tehran to deepen their cooperation. This partnership is driven by a “shared hostility toward Western values, a focus on internal resilience against international pressures, and a mutual dissatisfaction with the current world order.”
Russia and Iran previously signed a strategic agreement in 2001, which lasted 20 years. According to the Washington Institute, Russia is the largest foreign investor in Iran, with direct links between their banking systems and cooperation in defense technology, posing challenges to American defense interests in the region.
During a meeting with Ali Asghar Khaji, the Iranian Foreign Minister’s senior advisor for political affairs, Assad highlighted the depth of Syrian-Iranian relations and the need for enhanced coordination in various fields. The July 22 meeting was part of Asghar Khaji’s visit to Damascus.
Khaji reiterated Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with Assad’s regime, reflecting this sentiment in discussions with the regime’s Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad. He stated that his visit aimed to address bilateral and regional issues, setting future goals to bolster their partnership. The Iranian FM also conveyed the new Iranian government’s determination to fortify relations with the Assad regime, referencing a recent phone call between Assad and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
