By Masoud Sadrmohammadi
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, and Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, signed the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation” on January 17, 2025, marking the beginning of a new era in Iran-Russia relations. Despite its historical and strategic significance, the treaty did not receive the attention it deserved due to its coincidence with Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony in the United States.
This treaty not only ushers in a new phase of political and strategic relations between Iran and Russia but also has the potential to serve as a new model for cooperation within the non-Western bloc. Resulting from three years of consultations and interactions between officials of the two countries, the treaty consists of a preamble and 47 articles, laying the groundwork for deepening Tehran-Moscow cooperation across various fields.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Iran and Russia represents not only a significant transformation in the bilateral relations of the two nations but also emphasizes the historical continuity of Tehran-Moscow cooperation. The treaty references the agreements signed between Iran and Russia in 1921, 1940, and 2001, highlighting this historical connection. Considering this emphasis, it can be concluded that, despite all the anti-Russian propaganda promoted by Western-oriented factions in Iran in recent years, Tehran’s authorities remain satisfied with their historical collaboration with Moscow and have sought to open a new chapter in their relations.
Historical background
With the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the eight-year war with Iraq, Iran developed a positive approach toward Russia, leveraging a strategic framework to counter the West and establish constructive relations with Moscow. However, these ties experienced instability following the collapse of the Soviet Union. When nationalist elements replaced the pro-Western factions that initially dominated post-Soviet Russia, Iran-Russia relations began to take an upward trajectory once more. This culminated in the 2001 treaty known as the “Agreement on the Foundations of Mutual Relations and Principles of Cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation.”
This document was primarily a legal framework aimed at structuring Iran-Russia relations. It avoided imposing broad commitments in various fields and instead served as a roadmap for enhancing cooperation. The most significant strategic clause in this treaty was the mutual commitment to refrain from attacking each other and to prevent their territories from being used for aggression against the other. The agreement had a duration of 20 years and expired in 2021. It was extended for another five years, but given the new circumstances and the need to expand relations, both countries decided to update and broaden the framework.
At Iran’s initiative, a new document was drafted to define a new chapter of cooperation. Over three and a half years, the two nations negotiated the details of this treaty.
Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented on the necessity of drafting a new treaty between Iran and Russia, stating:
“Over the past three decades, we have expanded our cooperation in all areas. Considering the evolving circumstances and the level and scope of our relations, it was essential to update the previous document. This is a bilateral treaty aimed at strengthening relations and fostering closer ties between Iran and Russia.”
Key features of the Treaty
Although the treaty is designed for a 20-year period, it states that upon expiration, it can be automatically renewed for successive five-year terms. Moreover, either country can withdraw from the agreement with relative ease, as the treaty will terminate one year after a withdrawal decision is made by either party.
The first notable feature of the treaty is the emphasis placed by both sides on the necessity of mutual cooperation and the deepening of their relations. References to earlier treaties that form the foundation of this new agreement underscore the historical continuity and constructive intent of both nations to sustain their collaboration.
The second key feature is the treaty’s broad scope, which facilitates comprehensive and balanced cooperation based on mutual interests, capabilities, and needs across various fields. The document addresses all dimensions of collaboration, including political, economic, transportation and transit corridors, monetary and banking systems, investment, scientific exchange, intelligence sharing, judicial matters, oil and gas, environmental issues, agriculture, and food security.
The third feature is the treaty’s special focus on economic matters. Given that both Iran and Russia are targets of Western economic pressures, the treaty’s emphasis on economic issues and infrastructure highlights the seriousness of both parties in pursuing mutual benefits. Although Iran-Russia trade relations have reached their highest level in 15 years due to several geopolitical developments, the economic ties between the two countries remain underwhelming compared to their potential.
For example, in 2023, the trade volume between Iran and Russia was approximately $2.7 billion, while Iran-China trade reached $32.5 billion, Iran-UAE trade stood at $27.4 billion, and Iran-Türkiye trade was $11.7 billion. The treaty also underscores the encouragement of investments in oil and gas field development projects within both nations.
The fourth feature of the treaty is that it is not directed against any third party. Regardless of the evolution of each country’s relationships with other nations, this treaty serves as a guarantee of mutual interests. Contrary to negative propaganda from Western-oriented factions in Iran, the treaty will not hinder Iran’s relations with other countries.
The fifth feature aligns the treaty with the broader policies of Iran and Russia to increase the influence of emerging regional alliances. In terms of international cooperation, the treaty highlights bilateral interactions within key organizations such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Recently, Iran has gained official membership in both BRICS and the SCO and aims to leverage these platforms to enhance its economic and political engagements. Cooperation with Russia in these organizations can strengthen Iran’s global standing and increase its influence in international affairs.
The sixth feature establishes the groundwork for bypassing U.S. sanctions. This treaty represents a significant initial step toward neutralizing sanctions against Iran and Russia by developing new independent payment infrastructures free from third-party states. It also promotes bilateral transactions using national currencies. According to the treaty, Iran and Russia emphasize direct interbank cooperation and the development of national financial products. Both countries have now interconnected their banking systems, enabling their citizens to engage in seamless transactions in each other’s countries without relying on the U.S. dollar.
The seventh feature is the treaty’s legally binding nature. Unlike some other cooperation agreements, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Iran and Russia is a legal and enforceable agreement for both parties. As per Iranian law, after being signed by the presidents of both nations, the treaty requires approval by Iran’s National Assembly and ratification by the Guardian Council of the Constitution to become legally effective.
The perspective of the Iranian opposition on the Iran-Russia Cooperation Treaty
Although the initial draft of this treaty was developed during the conservative administration of Ebrahim Raisi, and the groundwork for the agreement was laid under his government, the treaty was signed unexpectedly during the reformist administration of Masoud Pezeshkian following Raisi’s untimely death. The fact that such a strategic agreement garnered attention under both conservative and reformist governments in Tehran reflects a strong political will to finalize the treaty.
The signing of the treaty under a reformist government shielded it from criticism by reformist-leaning media in Iran, which traditionally maintain a negative stance toward Russia. These media outlets, likely in an effort to support the reformist Pezeshkian administration, chose to remain silent on the matter. However, opposition media outside Iran launched a campaign against the treaty. Two prominent opposition television networks, both broadcasting from London, illustrate this trend.
BBC Persian aired an extensive report criticizing the treaty, claiming it paves the way for Russian colonial exploitation of Iran. The report further alleged that the Islamic Republic is seeking military, security, and police support from Russia to suppress potential uprisings within the country.
Meanwhile, Iran International took a different approach, portraying the treaty as evidence of mutual distrust between Iran and Russia. Utilizing Iranian experts based in the United States and Europe, the network argued that the absence of a clause stating, “An attack on one country is considered an attack on the other,” highlights the lack of trust between the two nations.
These contrasting narratives underscore how opposition media outlets have leveraged the treaty to further their criticisms of the Islamic Republic and its foreign policy orientation.
Summary of Iran’s perspective on the Treaty
It appears that Iran, particularly its Supreme Leader, remains firmly committed to the idea of cooperation with the Eastern world, despite resistance within the bureaucratic and technocratic ranks of the country’s mid-level governance. This steadfast perspective suggests optimism that the treaty will soon receive approval from the Iranian Parliament.
Following the signing of the treaty, the Iranian government spokesperson remarked in a statement: “Iran and Russia, aware of their historical responsibilities, are shaping a new order where cooperation replaces hegemony, and respect replaces imposition.”
These statements encapsulate the dominant viewpoint in Tehran regarding the treaty, reflecting a vision of strategic partnership and mutual respect as the foundation for a new global order.