Iran and Russia signed a significant cooperation treaty on Friday at the Kremlin, cementing closer ties between the two nations. The agreement reflects their shared interests in strengthening bilateral relations amidst tensions with Western powers.

The treaty is the latest in a series of agreements Moscow has pursued with nations that hold strained relations with the West, particularly since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine nearly three years ago.

Iran and Russia’s 20-year agreement underscores a shared goal of navigating Western sanctions and forging robust global alliances.

It also signals a strategic effort by Russia to bolster its global alliances in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Given the extensive sanctions imposed on both Iran and Russia by Western countries, the treaty prioritizes trade and financial cooperation.

This move highlights a concerted effort by both nations to navigate economic challenges and explore alternative pathways to sustain their economies and global influence.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Moscow on Friday morning for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian state news agency TASS, the two leaders convened at the Kremlin, where they signed a landmark agreement strengthening bilateral ties.

Speaking to TASS, Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazim Jalali highlighted “this new treaty will serve as a comprehensive blueprint, outlining the specifics of Iranian-Russian collaboration across a wide range of areas, guaranteeing a strong partnership for at least the next 20 years”.

A media report suggests that “the 20-year strategic agreement between Russia and Iran is poised to heighten apprehensions in Western capitals, especially as it encompasses plans for expanded defense cooperation.” Both nations maintain that their deepening alliance is not directed against any third country.

The agreement will likely raise concerns in Western capitals, particularly as it includes plans for expanded defense cooperation. Both nations insist that their deepening alliance is not directed against any third party, yet their actions continue to draw significant international scrutiny.

The partnership strengthens BRICS’ reach into the Middle East, signaling a new axis of cooperation against Western hegemony.

Since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, Moscow has significantly strengthened its ties with Iran and other countries that are either hostile toward the United States or critical of Western influence.

Iranian-made drones have played a pivotal role in bolstering Russia’s military campaigns in Ukraine, Since the Ukraine war began in 2022, Moscow has forged closer ties with countries critical of Western influence, including Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and China.

The United States has accused Tehran of providing ballistic missiles to Moscow for use in the conflict—allegations that Iran has categorically denied.

While the Kremlin has stopped short of confirming reports regarding Iranian missile transfers, it has openly acknowledged working with Iran in what it characterizes as “the most sensitive areas.”

These partnerships signify a shift in global power dynamics, challenging the traditional dominance of the U.S. and its allies. This shift in Russia’s foreign policy is part of a broader reorientation of regional dynamics and the evolving global power structure.

Russia has increasingly aligned itself with nations like North Korea, Belarus, and China, while also deepening its relationship with Tehran. These growing partnerships are challenging the existing international order led by the U.S. and reflecting a shift towards a new geopolitical axis.

This shift is marked by the emergence of new power players and the reconfiguration of existing alliances. BRICS, a coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been instrumental in this reconfiguration, with Iran’s recent invitation to join further expanding the bloc’s reach into the Middle East.

Iranian drones and energy collaborations highlight the deepening military and economic ties between Tehran and Moscow.

China’s powerful economy enhances the group’s global leverage, and by working with Russia, this group seeks to challenge Western-dominated institutions and create a system with multiple power centers. With Iran recently invited to join, the bloc’s reach into the Middle East expands, strengthening energy and trade ties.

The growing alignment among Russia, Iran, and China within BRICS signals a shift toward greater cooperation among nations resisting Western hegemony.

The strengthening partnership between Russia and China underscores a broader geopolitical realignment. Their collaboration in energy, technology, and global political platforms aims to counterbalance U.S. influence.

Meanwhile, Iran and Russia have aligned in areas such as military operations and the energy sector, leveraging their combined resources to bypass Western sanctions. Their cooperation in Syria also reflects their shared interest in expanding regional influence.

This partnership is seen as a counterbalance to the dominance of the U.S. and its allies in the global arena. Additionally, the rise of regional alliances, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the African Union (AU), further indicates a shift in the balance of power.

These regional organizations are increasingly asserting their influence and pursuing their interests, challenging the traditional dominance of Western powers.

In the energy sector, Russia and Iran have worked to bypass Western sanctions by increasing oil and gas trade. Russia, the world’s largest energy exporter, and Iran, a key player in the Middle East energy market, both benefit from these ties as they seek to maintain and expand their influence in global energy markets.

Additionally, the two countries have cooperated in Syria, where Russia has supported the Assad regime, and Iran, through its proxy forces, has bolstered Assad’s position. At the same time, Russia’s relationship with China has become one of the most important strategic partnerships in the current geopolitical landscape.

Russia and China’s shared goal of countering U.S. influence has translated into increased collaboration, particularly in energy, technology, and global political platforms. Amid these shifting alliances, Pakistan has emerged as a stabilizing force, leveraging its geopolitical position to engage with both Iran and Russia.

Although its relationship with the U.S. has been strained, Pakistan has used its geopolitical position to engage with both Iran and Russia. Pakistan’s active engagement with both countries highlights its desire to diversify its foreign relations, moving away from reliance on Western powers.

The two countries have been forging closer cooperation in various areas, such as trade, investment, and military exercises. The country’s growing ties with Moscow and Tehran reflect its ambition to play a more significant role in regional and global geopolitics.

Pakistan’s strategic diplomacy with Iran and Russia exemplifies its shift toward diversified global engagement and regional stabilization.

As Pakistan continues to address its energy needs and security concerns, especially with respect to its relationships with India and Afghanistan, its diplomatic outreach to Iran and Russia provides it with new strategic options.

Pakistan, by fostering closer relationships with Moscow and Tehran, positions itself as an important player in stabilizing relations between historically rival nations and contributing to the reconfiguration of the global political landscape.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.