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‘Comprehensive’ Russia-Iran Agreement Marks a Strategic Shift in the Region

Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who had arrived in Russia on an official visit. Credit: kremlin.ru

The “Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation” signed in Moscow on Jan. 17 covers almost every area of economy and society, strengthens Russia’s position in the region, and assures greater stability for Iran, which has been under continual pressure from the Western nations, particularly Israel. The agreement, in fact, falls just short of a military alliance. It does assure, that if either party were to be attacked by a third party, the other party would provide no assistance to the aggressor, and would work to assure that the differences that have arisen be resolved in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.

The two sides also agree to work together to prevent any form of polarity and hegemony, and to counter any interference by third parties in their relationship. There will be an increasing exchange of information between the two countries’ security and intelligence agencies. There will also be increased military cooperation between them, including exchange of military and expert delegations; port calls by military ships and vessels; training of military personnel; and exchange of cadets and instructors.

In addition, the two parties “shall confirm their commitment to develop military-technical cooperation based on respective agreements between them, taking into account mutual interests and their international obligations and shall consider such cooperation as an important component in maintaining regional and global security.” They will also “consult and cooperate in countering common military and security threats of a bilateral and regional nature.

“Within the framework of a comprehensive, long-term and strategic partnership, the Contracting Parties shall confirm their commitment to develop military-technical cooperation based on respective agreements between them taking into account mutual interests and their international obligations and shall consider such cooperation as an important component in maintaining regional and global security.”

There will be increased trade between the two countries, and they will cooperate, “actively cooperate in the development of international transport corridors passing the territory of the Russian Federation and of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in particular the North-South International Transport Corridor.” The two countries will also jointly conduct work in the Caspian Sea, which they both share together with some of the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus, “in order to preserve the Caspian Sea as a zone of peace, good-neighborliness and friendship based on the principle of non-presence in the Caspian Sea of the armed forces not belonging to the coastal States as well as to ensure security and stability in the Caspian region.”

There will also be extensive interaction and changes in the scientific and educational spheres, as well as increasing cooperation in the areas of space and energy. Importantly, Russia will also continue working to develop the Bushehr nuclear facility in Iran, building two more reactors at the site.

The two Presidents gave a joint press conference in Moscow after their discussions.