In a significant geopolitical development, Russia and Iran are solidifying their partnership just days before former President Trump's return to the White House. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian embarked on his inaugural visit to Moscow as president to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and formalize this burgeoning alliance through a new partnership treaty.
This meeting, confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, underscores the growing importance of the relationship between the two nations. Discussions are expected to encompass trade routes, energy collaborations, and potentially positioning Iran as a central hub for Russian gas distribution, although concrete progress on the latter remains unclear.
The timing of this partnership coincides with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's assertion that the Biden administration is leaving Russia, China, and Iran in weakened positions as Trump re-enters the presidency. However, Russia's actions on the global stage, particularly its deepening relationships with nations like Iran and North Korea amidst Western sanctions, suggest a different narrative.
This strengthened alliance has raised concerns, especially in light of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine and increasing reliance on nations opposed to the West. Trump's newly appointed special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, has advocated for a return to a "maximum pressure" policy on Iran and urged the US to support the Iranian people's democratic aspirations.
Despite these concerns, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov downplayed the significance of the pact, drawing parallels with a similar agreement with North Korea and asserting that neither is aimed at any specific nation. This follows a meeting between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang last year, where an aid agreement further cemented their relationship. This meeting saw Putin praising Kim's support during the Ukraine conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over Russia's attempts to bolster relationships with countries like Iran and North Korea to support its war efforts in Ukraine, vowing to counteract such support.
