Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on October 31 that Russia and Iran are about to sign a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" that will include in-depth cooperation in the fields of defense and security. This cooperation marks a further escalation of Russian-Iranian relations under the current geopolitical landscape, and behind it also reflects the need for the two countries to continuously strengthen their alliance in the face of common Western pressure.

The long-awaited military cooperation treaty is about to land

This military cooperation treaty is not a matter of overnight. As early as October 11, when Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, the two sides had reached a preliminary consensus on signing the agreement. Pezeshkian made it clear at the time that Iran hopes to reach full cooperation with Russia as soon as possible. The Kremlin has also issued a formal invitation to Pezeshkian, who is expected to visit Russia before the end of the year to sign this strategic partnership treaty.

According to the Russian media "Moscow Times", Russia and Iran face similar pressures in the current international environment, especially sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the West. Because of this, the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran undoubtedly has the meaning of "holding together for warmth". Western countries are highly vigilant about the close relationship between Russia and Iran, especially considering the two countries' continued cooperation in the military field, which may have a profound impact on regional peace and global security.

The United States and Europe are concerned about the accelerated formation of the Russian-Iranian military alliance

According to Reuters analysis, the military relations between Russia and Iran have been greatly strengthened since the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Iran is accused of providing Russia with a large number of "Witness" suicide drones and short-range ballistic missiles, which have frequently appeared on the battlefield in Ukraine. In addition to strikes against military targets, these Iranian weapons have also been used to attack key Ukrainian civilian facilities, including power infrastructure. Although Tehran has repeatedly denied providing weapons to Russia, Kiev and Western countries have repeatedly disclosed evidence of Iranian drone wreckage to accuse Iran of intervening in the Ukrainian conflict.

In an interview with Russian state television, Lavrov said that the Russian-Iranian treaty will lay the foundation for cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense and help "maintain regional and global peace and security." Although he did not disclose the specific form of cooperation, the statement has attracted widespread attention. Reuters pointed out that the signing of this treaty will further bring Russia closer to the United States' rival countries, causing the United States and its allies to have greater concerns about joint actions between Russia and Iran.

Russia deepens cooperation with US rival countries: North Korea precedent

Strengthening relations with Iran is not an isolated action by Russia in the current geopolitical landscape. In June this year, Putin visited North Korea and signed a similar "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" with North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un. The treaty clearly stipulates that when one party encounters aggression or armed attack, the other party will provide assistance. Last week, the Russian parliament formally approved the treaty, and North Korea was also accused of sending 10,000 troops to Russia. At present, some troops have been deployed in Kursk Oblast to confront the Ukrainian army.

Regarding the outside world's questions about whether the North Korean army will participate in the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield, Putin only said that the implementation of the content of the Russian-North Korean treaty will be decided by both parties. This vague response has triggered speculation in the international community and further exacerbated Western concerns about the Russian-North Korean military alliance.

US sanctions and accusations have intensified Russia-Iran cooperation

In September this year, the US government further accused Iran of providing short-range ballistic missiles to Russia and imposed sanctions on Iranian companies and transport ships involved in providing weapons to Russia. Tehran has strongly denied these allegations, but Western media have repeatedly exposed Iranian missile and drone fragments that appeared on the battlefield in Ukraine. Although Russia has not publicly admitted to receiving missile assistance from Iran, the Putin government has admitted that Russian-Iranian relations involve "the most sensitive areas."

Frequent sanctions by Western countries have, to a certain extent, promoted the closer relationship between Russia and Iran. The two countries are currently not only cooperating in energy and economy, but also gradually deepening their military cooperation. Against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Iran has supported Russia through the supply of weapons, which has significantly increased the depth and breadth of Russian-Iranian military cooperation.

Possible impact of the Russian-Iranian military cooperation treaty

Analysts believe that this strategic partnership treaty will legitimize military cooperation between Russia and Iran and provide greater space for the two countries in future military operations. Through this treaty, Russia may obtain more weapons or technical support from Iran, further enhancing its advantage on the battlefield in Ukraine. In addition, the signing of the treaty may have a profound impact on the military landscape in the Middle East, especially the escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, making the situation in the Middle East more complicated.

The United States and its allies are worried that the alliance between Russia and Iran will not only aggravate the situation in Ukraine, but may also further intensify the confrontation in the Middle East. The Russian-Iranian Cooperation Treaty may have an uncertain impact on the future international security situation, and the Western camp is still exploring how to deal with this possible new military alliance.

Prospects for the Russian-Iranian Strategic Partnership

With the signing of the Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, the two sides will further work together in the military and security fields to face common external pressures. The signing of this treaty not only marks the mutual support between the two countries in international diplomacy, but also a shock to the existing global political order. Through this move, Russia and Iran have shown a posture of competing with the United States and its allies, and the outside world is full of speculation about the scope and depth of future cooperation between the two countries.

Although the military alliance between Russia and Iran may have a positive impact on their own security, this development will undoubtedly increase international tensions and bring new challenges to global security.