By Senior Research Associate, Scott Ferguson

The modern relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and The Russian Federation does not lend itself to a neat and singular interpretation. The prevailing sentiment is that Russia and Iran are walking together, though not in lock step, towards an anti-U.S. and Western future. There is quite a bit of evidence that supports this theory. Diplomatic, military and economic engagement between the two have been increasing in recent years. Mounting tensions between the U.S. and Iran during the Trump administration appeared to further catalyze this cooperative push. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has clearly stated, “In this critical situation, the relations between Iran and Russia are at their best and Iran’s will is to develop and deepen these relations.” In January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed this sentiment while underscoring their geographic proximity stating, “These are relations between friendly and close countries that are neighbors in the Caspian Sea area.” Russian commentators have actively promulgated this narrative since the early 2000s.

Similarly, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently outlined his belief in the importance of close relations between Moscow and Tehran in a strategic letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hardliners within Iranian politics have hailed a pro-Asian, and in particular, a pro-Russian foreign policy as “the beginning of the post-American era.”