
As tensions and mutual threats between Iran and the United States continue to escalate, Russia appears to have strengthened its cooperation with Tehran in various areas.
An official Russian document prepared in September 2024 revealed that Moscow planned to strengthen nuclear cooperation with Iran, as well as open new financial avenues to bypass US sanctions.
The document also included plans for Iran to produce components for Russian aircraft.
The document indicated that Russia had drawn up a comprehensive plan for the period 2024-2026, which included the creation of alternative financial channels, the use of national currencies in transactions, strengthening nuclear cooperation, projects in the oil and gas sectors, the production of spare parts for Russian aircraft in Iran, and the continuation of the operation of the Bushehr nuclear power plant by Rosatom.
It also proposed building a railway line from the Iranian border with Azerbaijan to ports on the Arabian Gulf. However, it remains unclear which of these projects are still being implemented, given the changes brought about by the current war.
Russia has maintained close ties with Iran for years, but those relations have intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. US reports allege that Iran has provided drone support to Russia, allegations that Tehran has categorically denied.
This cooperation was further strengthened as the US exerted pressure on Iran through economic sanctions, amid reports that Moscow had offered Tehran assistance in the production of cruise missiles.
In 2025, Russia and Iran signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement for 20 years, with the possibility of automatic extension.
The treaty consists of 47 articles covering diplomatic, military and security cooperation, counter-terrorism, technology, cybersecurity and environmental issues. It also focuses on respecting sovereignty and not using one party's territory to harm the other.