Russia’s Strategic Treaty With Iran May Have Nuclear Angle

Russian President Vladimir Putin will sign a new treaty with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday that may have a nuclear component.

The two leaders will meet to discuss the “prospects for further expansion of bilateral cooperation, including in trade, investment, transport, logistics and culture, as well as current regional and international issues” and sign the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership pact, according to the Kremlin.

A recent report suggests that the treaty’s nuclear component entails an exchange in which Moscow will aid Tehran in launching its nuclear program and receive more drone supplies.

Newsweek reached out to the Iranian Mission to the United Nations for comment via email. Newsweek also reached out to the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment via email outside of normal business hours.

Why It Matters

The signing of the new treaty by Putin and Pezeshkian to strengthen Russian-Iranian ties is significant because if the two countries begin arming each other, it may delay peace negotiations for the war in Ukraine and cause more destruction, as well as increase conflict in the Middle East.

The ramifications on the access to and use of weapons by Russia and Iran by signing this treaty could affect numerous countries globally for generations to come.

What To Know

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement, to be signed just three days prior to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, is an effort by Russia and Iran to cement their partnership in multiple sectors amid isolation by other global powers.

Moscow and Tehran have been subject to the imposition of numerous additional sanctions for their roles in the war with Ukraine and election interference. The new treaty, which has reportedly been in the works for five years, is set to replace the 20-year strategic agreement signed between the countries in 2001 and extended in 2020.

A report by the U.K. newspaper The Times said that Iran’s Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has allegedly been conducting secret diplomatic missions to Russia to bolster Tehran’s military and defense capabilities ahead of signing the new treaty. Despite conversations with European powers about a nuclear treaty, Iran is reportedly seeking help from Russia with nuclear expertise, after Moscow has supplied Iran with nuclear fuel for a 1,000-megawatt light-water nuclear power reactor for decades. The report has led many to believe that the signing of the new treaty with Russia will also encompass a military partnership regarding nuclear weapons development with Iran.

Iran has been heavily criticized by the West after being accused of attempting to develop nuclear weapons. Although Tehran’s officials have denied attempting to make nuclear weapons, they have said they will equip themselves “to the extent necessary for the defense of Iran.” Iran appears to be preparing to arm itself with nuclear weapons as it has increased its enrichment of uranium to 60 percent, getting closer to the 90 percent level needed for weapons grade.

Russia and Iran have a history of strong relations, both economically and politically. Recently, Iran has been accused of providing Moscow with missiles and drones to aid their war effort against Ukraine, which the Islamic regime has denied. In return, Russia is alleged to have given Iran Su-35 fighter jets and advanced air defense systems. In addition to weapons, the two have also become strong trade partners amid international sanctions imposed against them by Western powers.

What People Are Saying

Jürgen Nauditt, a pro-Ukraine user on X, formerly Twitter: “The agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership between russia and Iran will be signed on January 17, propagandists said. The agreement will include 47 articles and cover all areas of cooperation. Previously, the russians had signed something similar with North Korea.”

Nicole Grajewski, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, on Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov’s, previous comments about the treaty: “Lavrov’s comments on the Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty: The treaty will solidify Russia and Iran’s commitment to closer cooperation in security, defense, counterterrorism, extremism, and many other shared challenges and threats.”

Alexander Kokcharov, a geopolitical analyst focused on Ukraine, Russia and more: “Russia and Iran will sign a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ treaty on Friday. Moscow and Tehran are thus formalizing the fact that they are part of the anti-Western alliance.”

What Happens Next

Iran’s signing of the new treaty with Russia will likely further isolate the two nations from other global powers and embolden them to provide weapons to one another, which may lead to prolonged conflict in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.