The treaty that Russia and Iran intend to sign soon will include closer cooperation in the field of defense, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Military ties between the two countries are a cause of great concern in the West as Russia wages war in Ukraine and Iran and Israel exchange missile and airstrikes across the Middle East, the agency said.
“The treaty being prepared for a comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran will become a serious factor in strengthening Russian-Iranian relations,” Lavrov said on state television.
He said the agreement was being prepared for signing “in the near future”. Russia has said it expects Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian to visit Moscow before the end of the year.
“He [договорът] will confirm the desire of the parties for closer cooperation in the field of defense and interaction in the interest of peace and security at the regional and global level,” Lavrov said. He did not specify in what form the relations in the field of defense will take place.
Since the beginning of the war with Ukraine, Russia has deepened its ties with Iran and North Korea, which are highly antagonistic to the United States, Reuters recalls.
In June, President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a similarly named “comprehensive” treaty that includes a mutual defense clause, and the US and NATO say Pyongyang has sent about 10,000 troops to Russia for possible involvement in the war in Ukraine .
In September, the US accused Tehran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine and imposed sanctions on ships and companies it said were involved in supplying Iranian weapons.
Tehran denies providing Moscow with the missiles or the thousands of drones that Kiev and Western officials say Russia is using against military targets and to destroy civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Title: A Deep Dive into the Strategic Partnership Between Russia and Iran
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest who is an expert in international relations and defense policy, Dr. Elena Raskov, to discuss the anticipated treaty between Russia and Iran. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Raskov.
Dr. Elena Raskov: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recent reports indicate that Russia and Iran are preparing to sign a treaty that enhances their defense cooperation. What does this signify for the geopolitical landscape, especially considering the current tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East?
Dr. Raskov: This treaty is a pivotal moment for both nations. For Russia, it solidifies its partnerships in the face of Western sanctions and isolation due to the war in Ukraine. For Iran, it provides a powerful ally amid ongoing conflicts with Israel. The military ties between Russia and Iran could lead to a significant shift in power dynamics in both Europe and the Middle East.
Editor: Lavrov mentioned that this treaty will create a “serious factor” in strengthening Russian-Iranian relations. How might this partnership manifest in terms of military cooperation?
Dr. Raskov: There are several avenues this cooperation could take. We could see increased arms sales from Russia to Iran, potentially including advanced military technology. Additionally, joint military exercises could become commonplace, bolstering their operational capabilities together. This could also mean sharing intelligence and enhancing cyber defense collaborations, which could have far-reaching implications.
Editor: The West has expressed concerns regarding this growing military tie. In what ways do you think this partnership could escalate tensions, particularly with regards to Israel and NATO countries?
Dr. Raskov: The partnership between Russia and Iran is particularly alarming for Israel. Israel already engages in preemptive strikes against Iranian targets in Syria and elsewhere, and with direct Russian support, we could see an escalation of these engagements. For NATO countries, a stronger military alliance could lead to a realignment of power structures, creating more complexity in diplomatic relations and increasing the chances of miscalculations in military engagements.
Editor: Given the current global political climate, how do you foresee this treaty affecting relations between the West and other Middle Eastern countries?
Dr. Raskov: This treaty could complicate existing relationships significantly. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE may feel compelled to bolster their own defense capabilities or reconsider their diplomatic stances. Additionally, the U.S. might find itself in a challenging position, needing to reassure its allies while addressing its own strategic interests in the region and countering the influence of both Iran and Russia.
Editor: There are concerns that this treaty could redefine the traditional lines in international relations. What potential impacts should we be aware of?
Dr. Raskov: Absolutely. This partnership could signal a shift towards a multipolar world where countries are more inclined to form strategic coalitions that challenge Western dominance. It could embolden authoritarian regimes, encouraging them to pursue aggressive policies. Additionally, if this partnership leads to successful military cooperation, it could inspire other nations to forge similar alliances, ultimately altering the balance of power on a global scale.
Editor: It seems this treaty has far-reaching implications. As we look ahead, what do you think could be the next steps for the international community in responding to this development?
Dr. Raskov: The international community will need to engage in proactive diplomacy. This might involve reinforcing alliances amongst Western nations and ensuring that sanctions against both Russia and Iran remain effective. We may also see discussions around defense strategies and potential military support for allies in the region. Engaging in dialogue with both nations could be crucial in preventing escalation and mitigating the risks associated with their partnership.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Raskov, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that the signing of this treaty will not only impact Russia and Iran but will also reverberate throughout the international community.
Dr. Raskov: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to track this vital story. Until next time, take care.