Iran and Russia: From Potential to Obstruction in Strategic Relations

Introduction: The international relations between Iran and Russia, as two pivotal players in the global political and economic arenas, have long attracted the attention of researchers and policymakers. Both countries, with their strategic geopolitical Locations, have a significant impact on regional and global developments. Throughout history, relations between Iran-Russia have been characterized by fluctuations shaped by a range of factors, including changes in domestic and foreign policies, regional and global crises and economic and security developments. Bilateral relations have entered a new and dynamic stage in recent decades, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the resulting structural changes in the international system. On the one hand, shared interests in areas such as energy, security and trade have led both countries to seek deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation. On the other hand, persistent challenges, including international pressures, economic sanctions and political differences, continue to pose significant obstacles to advancing a full-fledged strategic partnership.
Research question: This study aims to address the question of what opportunities and obstacles exist in Iran-Russia relations for establishing a strategic partnership?
Research hypothesis: Despite the inter-connectedness of Iran-Russia relations in various fields and their extensive cooperation on regional and trans-regional issues, structural, political and economic challenges—including competition in the energy sector, economic sanctions and mutual distrust—have prevented the two countries from achieving a full-fledged strategic partnership.
Methodology and theoretical framework: This research uses a qualitative and descriptive approach to analyze the content of selected data along with topic analysis. The theoretical framework of this article is based on the construction of strategic relationships in international relations. The goal of these relations is to bring countries closer together on a global stage, enabling them to pursue and achieve their national interests through proximity.
Results and discussion: During the Islamic Republic of Iran, it sought to establish strategic relations with selected governments within the framework of the international system and prioritized a structured approach to these partnerships. Russia stands out as a key country in this effort. Several factors, including historical, political and normative commonalities, provide the foundation for strengthening strategic relations. However, despite some progress, significant challenges remain that prevent the full realization of a sustainable strategic partnership. Iran-Russia relations have evolved over the past four decades, shifting from short-term tactical interactions to more comprehensive cooperation in regional and international geopolitical arenas. Trade relations, with significant growth over the past decade, have been one of the main pillars of this partnership. For instance, Russian exports to Iran increased from $770 million in 2011 to $1.58 billion in 2022, while Iranian exports to Russia increased from $350 million to $750 million over the same period. This economic growth is driven by mutual efforts to counter Western sanctions, with key cooperation in the energy, technology, and agriculture sectors. Joint projects, such as developing oil and gas fields, constructing nuclear power plants and participating in technology transfers, underscore the economic interdependence of the two countries. Geopolitical and security cooperation has also played a vital role, especially in conflict zones such as Syria and during the tensions in Ukraine. In Syria, both countries supported the Assad regime and demonstrated their ability to align with strategic goals. Iran’s stance on the Ukraine crisis further reinforces the country's geopolitical alignment with Russia against Western influence. However, fundamental challenges remain. Geopolitical priorities and diverging national interests often cause friction. Russia’s broader strategies sometimes include aligning with countries that Iran consider enemies, complicating their relations. Domestic political dynamics in both nations further limit their ability to fully commit to a long-term alliance. Despite these obstacles, opportunities remain for deeper cooperation. Strengthening economic ties in energy, technology and agriculture, along with mechanisms for building mutual trust and resolving disputes, could pave the way for a more sustainable and enduring strategic partnership.
Conclusion: Despite a long history of cooperation in geopolitical, security and economic spheres, Iran and Russia have not yet reached the level of a sustainable and comprehensive strategic partnership. This situation is shaped by various structural and systemic challenges that affect their relations at the domestic, regional and international levels. On the other hand, competition in energy markets, different approaches to some regional issues and historical mistrust, especially in economic and political spheres, create significant obstacles to deepening these relations. Western economic sanctions against both countries have created opportunities for closer ties; however, structural challenges, such as inefficient trade mechanisms, underdeveloped transportation infrastructure and a lack of technological innovation, limit their ability to fully capitalize on these opportunities. Additionally, geopolitical issues, such as conflicts in the South Caucasus and Russia's engagement with countries such as the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia, further complicate their relations. Furthermore, Iran-Russia relations are heavily influenced by external factors, including Russia’s tensions with the West and Iran’s efforts to reduce its dependence on limited partners and their relations are largely opportunistic and tactical rather than strategic. To overcome these challenges and strengthen their strategic relationship, Iran and Russia should focus on several key areas:
 1) Building mutual trust through the development of joint institutions and legal frameworks that ensure long-term benefits for both countries. 2) Enhancing economic and trade cooperation by removing structural barriers, improving transportation infrastructure such as the North-South Corridor and strengthening technology-based partnerships.
3) Deepening cultural and social interactions to bridge gaps in understanding and create greater social cohesion.
 4) Determining long-term and common foreign policy goals with a focus on countering unilateralism and promoting multilateralism in the international system.