Introduction: Iran-Russia relations are among the most important regional and international strategic interactions, with a major impact on geopolitical, security, and economic developments in the Eurasian region. Given the increasing complexity of the international system and ongoing changes in the global order, policymakers and international relations researchers need a detailed, comprehensive assessment of these relations. This issue requires a realistic, national-interest-centered approach to capture the complexities and multiple dimensions of this interaction within an analytical and scientific framework. The main goal of this research is to identify key aspects of Iran-Russia relations from the perspective of Iranian political science and international relations experts and to provide a qualitative, analytical framework to better understand and manage this strategic relationship effectively. This work becomes more important when we consider Russia’s pivotal role in regional and global political equations and its direct impact on Iran’s security and development. A deep understanding of this relationship can help shape a balanced and intelligent foreign policy and prevent one-dimensional dependence.
Research question: How do Iranian political science scholars interpret the structural pressures of the international system and translate them into patterns of Tehran-Moscow interaction?
Research hypothesis: The pattern of Iran-Russia interaction is shaped not only by the structure of the international system, but also by the perceptions of foreign policy elites; therefore, without a historical, cultural, and political understanding of both sides, its analysis remains incomplete.
Methodology: This qualitative research uses content analysis to identify and examine key aspects of this relationship through interviews, lectures, and articles by prominent researchers. To validate the hypothesis, it draws on the perspectives of prominent Iranian political science and international relations professors in a comprehensive, integrated manner and evaluates the complex, multi-layered aspects of this relationship using qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. The data used include a secondary collection of interviews, speeches, and articles by seven prominent experts in this field, all of whom have academic credibility and media recognition in international relations and have published numerous works on Iran's interactions with major powers. These scholars include: Elaheh Koolaee, Ebrahim Mottaghi, Mehdi Sanaei, Seyed Jalal Dehghani Firooz Abadi, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Seyed Mohammad Kazem Sajjadpour, and Hossein Salimi.
To increase credibility, the extracted themes were compared with previous analyses and findings from similar studies. To increase reliability and reduce bias, the researcher also compared and integrated multiple researchers' opinions. This comparison enabled the researcher to identify commonalities and differences in perspectives and present a balanced, comprehensive picture. The use of triangulation, which evaluated at least three sources for each researcher, each including at least one article and one lecture, further ensured the validity of the data.
Results and discussion: The findings show that avoiding emotional and ideological statements and emphasizing a deep understanding of Russia’s history, culture, and political developments are essential for effective, strategic engagement. Geographical proximity and Russia’s instrumental role in regional dynamics make a strategic partnership necessary, but this cooperation should not lead to unilateral dependence. Challenges such as Russophobia in Iran and superficial perceptions of Iran in Russia require cognitive diplomacy and the removal of misunderstandings. Shared cultural and historical commonalities also provide a solid basis for balanced cooperation.
Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the findings shows that Iran-Russia relations are rooted in a turbulent history marked by bitter experiences, negative mentalities, and structural challenges within the international system. At the same time, this relationship has evolved within the framework of “neo-classical realism,” which emphasizes strategic independence, the balance of power, and consideration of geopolitical capacities. Cognitive challenges, such as Russophobia, limited understanding, and bipolar perceptions, are among the main obstacles to deepening sustainable relations. In contrast, opportunities for cooperation across various energy sectors and Iran’s geopolitical weight offer potential to expand bilateral relations and strengthen Iran’s position in the international system.
Conclusion: Iran's foreign policy should avoid the dualistic view of good and evil and instead be based on pragmatism and engagement with different powers to secure national interests. Cooperation with Russia in areas such as security and the economy, without complete dependence, can strengthen Iran's international position. Balancing relations with different powers and avoiding sacrifices in relations with the West or the East are essential requirements for a balanced foreign policy. Strategic cooperation with Russia will only be an opportunity when accompanied by deep understanding and realistic management that prioritizes Iran's national interests. Finally, amid complex and changing global developments, Iran-Russia relations require a forward-looking perspective and careful scenario planning. The scenarios that could propel this cooperation towards a sustainable strategic partnership or maintain tactical and temporary relations depend on several elements, including changes in the international system, domestic developments in both countries, and the smart management of challenges and opportunities. Therefore, Iranian policymakers must develop flexible and multidimensional strategies based on analytical data and realistic approaches that can respond to unexpected events and complexities that may arise and put Iran-Russia cooperation on the path of sustainable and effective development.