Russia's close relationships with Iran influence the Ukraine conflict
Russia's close relationships with Iran influence the Ukraine conflict
Just three days before the return of the designated US President Donald Trump into the White House, Russia and Iran are expected to sign a “comprehensive partnership agreement” that has been in the works for months. This step draws attention again to a partnership that shapes the battlefield in Ukraine and has continued to commit itself to the challenge of the International international order-although the new US administration promises more intensive cooperation with Russia.
The complicated relationship between Russia and Iran
Russia and Iran have a complex story that is characterized by conflicts, and at the moment they move on a narrow line between cooperation and distrust. Nevertheless, the war in Ukraine brought Moscow and Tehran closer together. Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., said: "The idea of seeing the United States not only as an opponent, but as a strategic goal of their entire foreign policy, she welded together." This development is particularly evident on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Putin's visit to Tehran
in July 2022, five months after his extensive march into Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Iran. It was his first visit to the war outside the former Soviet sphere of influence. His “special military operation” was not as planned behind the photo shoots and handshake. His army had lost many of her initial winnings when she was pushed back from the Kiev region and would have to accept further losses in two successful Ukrainian counter -offensive off -offense.
The effects of the partnership on warfare
The efforts to close closer cooperation with Tehran have proven to be successful for Russia. Thanks to an agreement signed after Putin, Russia is now producing thousands of Iranically designed Shahed attack drones in a factory in Tatarstan. An investigation by CNN in December showed that the production rates in the facility in 2024 were more than twice as high.
These drones have developed into a backbone of Russia's war of wear and are used in swarms to attack civilian areas and the energy infrastructure. According to a count of CNN, Russia started over 11,000 drones in Ukraine last year, while the estimates for 2023 were over 2,500.
Russian military and Iranian support
According to the US authorities,also received Iranian ballistic rockets, according to the US authorities. Although there has been no evidence of their missions so far, this message sent a strong signal to the allies of Ukraine that Putin was willing to escalate the conflicts. However, this was also unfavorable for Moscow that influenced the debate about the permission to deliver western long -range missiles to Ukraine.
Current developments and strategic considerations
Almost two and a half years after Putin's visit to Tehran, the situation has changed significantly for both sides. Russia now has the upper hand in Ukraine and wins on the eastern front section on territory. The upcoming Trump administration is planning to talk and comment on Russia to leave the occupied territory and to block NATO membership of Ukraine.
The meeting between Putin and the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also offers Moscow the welcome opportunity to strengthen its image as a superpower. Russia sees this relationship as a "asymmetrical", as Jean-Loup Samaan, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. "You still see yourself as the bigger partner and Iran as a regional partner."
Iran's uncertainty and strategic requirements
Europe, on the other hand, feels increasingly uncertain. Nikita Smagin, an independent expert for Russia and Iran, explains that the government under Pezeshkian is in a hurry to sign the contract with Russia in order to counter the numerous threats to their security. "You are afraid of Trump administration, Israel and the collapse of Assad and Hisbollah," said Smagin.
Russia's goals and Iran's possibilities
What Russia wants to be unclear. It has indigenous Shahed production on Russian soil and is now able to do this with significantly less Iranian participation. But while Russia Recent Battlefield Gains Made, the losses of central troops face the losses. While the personnel problems in Russia are not comparable to those of Ukraine, more staff could be needed. However, experts doubt that Iran is also willing to provide troops as North Korea, which estimated 11,000 soldiers in Russia's Course region.