Iran plans to formalize the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Russia on January 17, during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Moscow, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced.
The partnership, driven by the shared goal of addressing common challenges, holds significant implications, particularly in the realms of defense, trade, and energy.
“Specifically with Russia, we anticipate the president’s visit to Moscow, during which we hope to see progress on two key issues: the North-South Corridor, which is already underway, and the plan to transfer Russian gas to Iran—both of which have been key points of agreement between the two sides,” Mohajerani said.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized the agreement’s significance, highlighting its comprehensive nature in enhancing bilateral relations. This partnership moves beyond traditional economic ties to encompass shared interests in regional stability and resistance to Western influence.
Key areas of collaboration include transportation, energy, and regional security, with defense cooperation now formally included in the partnership. “An important part of the agreement includes trade, economy, energy and the environment sectors as well as issues pertaining to defense and security matters,”Baghaei added.
Both Iran and Russia have experienced economic sanctions from the West, shaping their shared reliance on energy exports. This alignment has created opportunities for mutual economic growth.
Iran-Russia partnership
A cornerstone of the agreement is the North-South Transport Corridor, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade between Iran, Russia, and other international partners. This initiative demonstrates the nations’ intent to bypass Western sanctions while bolstering regional trade networks.
Energy also remains central to their partnership. Russia’s expertise and resources have supported the development of Iran’s energy sector through exploration, drilling, and infrastructure projects. The agreement will see significant Russian investment in modernizing Iran’s energy capabilities, which Iranian officials view as a critical step amid rising energy demand in Asia.
The agreement also reflects a shift toward diversifying trade and economic relations beyond the West. By leveraging Iran’s strategic location as a transit hub, the two nations aim to enhance trade within Asia, particularly with India and China. Their collaboration also extends to fostering economic integration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), further reducing dependence on Western markets.
Military cooperation is a defining feature of the Iran-Russia partnership. Both countries have become critical arms suppliers to each other, especially in advanced technologies like drones. Iran’s domestically produced drones, including the Shahed-136 (or “Geran-2” in Russia), have played a pivotal role in this collaboration. These drones have been used by Moscow in its military operations in Ukraine.