Nournews: In recent years, Iran–Russia relations have moved past sporadic interactions and evolved into a long-term strategic partnership. The 20-year cooperation treaty between the two countries can be regarded as the most important guiding document in this trajectory. It covers economic, political, security, cultural, and social domains, and provides a stable framework for pooling capacities. Economically, Russia has become one of Iran’s main trading partners, and Moscow’s multibillion-dollar investment commitment in Iran’s oil industry reflects a long-term outlook on cooperation with Tehran. Projects such as completing the Rasht–Astara railway, expanding regional transit, conducting trade in national currencies, strengthening banking cooperation, and convergence within BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian framework are practical manifestations of this strategic document. In the political and security spheres, Russia’s support for Iran in the nuclear file and counterterrorism cooperation underscores the overlap of interests in confronting shared threats.

Regional Security and Countering Foreign Intervention

Security and military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow constitutes a complementary dimension of their strategic partnership. Shared experience in combating terrorism, holding joint military exercises, Iran’s active presence at Russian arms exhibitions, and mutual emphasis on opposing foreign interference in regional affairs all point to a shared understanding of the requirements for sustainable security. Iran has consistently condemned Western threats to Russia’s territorial integrity, while Moscow, at critical junctures—including the 12-day war launched by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran—has drawn on its supportive capacities. This security cooperation is not limited to bilateral ties; it can also pave the way for the participation of other regional actors and contribute to the formation of indigenous security mechanisms.

Neighborhood Diplomacy in Northern Iran

Araghchi’s trip to Russia should be analyzed within the framework of Iran’s reinvigorated neighborhood diplomacy, particularly along its northern borders. Tehran’s diplomatic momentum in Central Asia and the Caucasus—from reciprocal visits by senior officials to specialized meetings on the Caspian Sea and Afghanistan—reflects a coherent approach to strengthening regional convergence. Emphasis on implementing corridor projects, countering foreign interference, resolving misunderstandings through dialogue, and jointly combating terrorism are shared axes of these consultations. In this context, the 3+3 initiative, designed to resolve disputes between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan and reduce the influence of extra-regional actors, holds a special place in Tehran–Moscow cooperation. This region-centered diplomacy complements Iran’s broader approach to developing relations with other neighbors in the west and south.

The New Global Order and the Role of Like-Minded Actors

As American unilateralism wanes and multilateralism gains strength, Iran and Russia—two influential players—are playing a significant role in shaping a new global order. Active cooperation within BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian framework; opposition to unilateral sanctions; and efforts to reform unjust international mechanisms constitute key strategic commonalities. Shared positions in support of Palestine and in confronting the Israeli regime, along with resistance to pressure from Europe and the United States, demonstrate that this convergence is not merely regional but also global in scope. Explicit statements by Russian officials, including Sergey Lavrov’s condemnation of attempts to reinstate sanctions against Iran, attest to the depth of this partnership in confronting crisis-inducing Western policies.