Iranian Parliament Approves 20-Year Strategic Pact With Russia As Nuclear Negotiations With U.S. Flounder

Latest Developments

• Collaboration in ‘All Spheres’: The Iranian parliament approved a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia on May 21 aimed at boosting collaboration in “all spheres.” The document was first agreed upon in January by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and approved by the Russian parliament in April. The approval comes ahead of an expected visit by Putin to Tehran, although no date for the visit has been set.
• Military Collaboration, But No Mutual Defense: The pact does not include a mutual defense clause but states that Iran and Russia will work together against common military threats, bolster military-technical cooperation, and conduct joint military exercises. The two most sanctioned countries in the world have expanded bilateral ties since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Iran has supplied Russia with explosive drones and missiles to use against Ukraine and recently denied reports that it was planning to supply Russian forces with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers in the near future.
• Russia Supports Iran in Nuclear Negotiations: Russia has given Iran diplomatic support as it negotiates with the United States over its nuclear program. The Trump administration insists that Iran cannot continue any level of nuclear enrichment as part of a new deal, while Russia, which is not part of the negotiations, has said that Iran has a right to civilian nuclear enrichment. Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Pezeshkian, have stated that Tehran would not give up its nuclear enrichment capabilities under any circumstances.

FDD Expert Response

“What does an Islamist supremacist regime in the Middle East have in common with a revanchist Eurasian empire? Both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation seek to diminish the power and preeminence of the United States. Both belong to an Axis of Aggressors led by the ruling Communist Party of China. A fourth member is the dynastic dictatorship in North Korea. They cooperate militarily, diplomatically, and economically. Iran’s approval of a 20-year strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran further reinforces this axis.” — Clifford D. May, Founder and President

“Much like with Russia’s partnerships with China and North Korea, Russian-Iranian cooperation exacerbates the threat that each actor poses to U.S. interests. This partnership will likely persist despite the negotiations over the war in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to seek balanced ties across the Middle East and instrumentalize its relations with Tehran for leverage vis-à-vis the United States and other Middle East actors.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director

“Eager to be perceived as a dependable strategic ally rather than a transactional partner, the regime in Tehran has intensified efforts to deepen ties with Moscow amid its growing estrangement from Europe. By supplying Russia with weaponry and sharing expertise in sanctions evasion, Iran seeks not only diplomatic backing in negotiations but also hopes that — in the event of an Israeli military strike — Russia might extend meaningful support.” — Janatan Sayeh, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Increasing Fortitude’: U.S. Intelligence Report Highlights Threats From Axis of Aggressors,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Our Friends in China’: Russia, Iran, and China Jointly Meet With IAEA Ahead of Negotiations With United States,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘The Ball Is in America’s Court’: Iran Insists Against Trump That Forthcoming Nuclear Talks Will Be ‘Indirect,’” FDD Flash Brief 

“‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’: Russia and Iran Set to Sign Pact After Presidential Visit,” FDD Flash Brief