ISW: Russia signs strategic partnership with Iran amid military constraints

The relationship between Russia and Iran has grown stronger since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The alliance has become a key geopolitical partnership, built on mutual interests and opposition to Western sanctions imposed on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine.

The new agreement reportedly includes unspecified development of “military-technical cooperation” between Russia and Iran. Russia may use these connections to evade Western sanctions, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports, as part of its broader strategy with international partners.

The ISW reported that the partnership opens possibilities for Russia to establish refueling hubs and naval presence in Iran.

This connection gains importance as Russia faces challenges in Syria following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime, which has jeopardized Russian military presence and strategic interests in the region.

“Russia could use Iranian territory to support some of its operations in North Africa and the Middle East,” ISW noted

The agreement lacks a mutual defense clause. “Russia likely does not have the military and defense industrial capacity to support any significant military operations apart from its war in Ukraine,” ISW explains.

Russia appears to prioritize its agreement with North Korea instead. “Russia is likely to prioritize addressing its manpower issues through defense agreements with North Korea, as Iran is unlikely to provide military personnel to support Russia’s war in Ukraine,” ISW stated.

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