TEHRAN – Vladimir Sazin, a columnist for Sputnik and a senior fellow at the Oriental Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, spoke about the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement recently signed in Moscow by the presidents of Iran and Russia in an interview with Tehran Times. Ta. shows that the relationship between the two countries is evolving by addressing issues that are less relevant than those addressed in the 2001 strategic agreement.
Mr. Sazin pointed out that the emergence of terrorism and extremism, and the resulting need for cooperative counterterrorism efforts, are among the issues that have become prominent since 2001.
However, he noted that the treaty’s main focus is on trade, with particular emphasis on energy and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Read Sazin’s full interview with Tehran Times below.
How does this agreement represent a departure from previous patterns of cooperation and understanding between the two countries?
In general, this agreement reflects the existing relations between the Russian Federation and Iran in recent years. Recalling the 2001 Russia-Iran treaty, this new document calls for closer cooperation between the two countries to ensure territorial integrity, combat terrorism and extremism, and counter contemporary global challenges and threats. It outlines the problem more carefully. This is understandable and understandable, but 25 years ago these factors did not play the role they play today.
How will this agreement reshape existing power relations in West and Central Asia?
Probably not at all. The agreement does not provide for military alliances, and the economic provisions focus on bilateral relations that do not specifically affect the situation in West and Central Asia.
With both Iran and Russia facing significant economic sanctions, what potential economic benefits are expected for each country as a result of this agreement?
This agreement provides the legal basis for the initiation, creation and implementation of many projects in almost all areas of trade and economic cooperation. However, the main ones appear to be all measures to improve the efficiency of the international north-south transport corridor and plans to expand and deepen cooperation in the energy field, mainly in the gas sector.
To what extent does this agreement reflect a true alignment of strategic priorities between Iran and Russia? How could their long-term interests potentially diverge and lead to future tensions and friction? Is there a certain area?
The alignment of strategic priorities between Iran and Russia is primarily based on their political, economic, and military rivalry with the West. In this regard, it cannot be ruled out that both Moscow and Tehran may change the tone of their policies toward the West in the future due to various internal and external circumstances, which would highlight other issues that may not be appropriate. It will be. For the common interests of both countries. Without digging deeper into the context, at least three areas can be mentioned: Iran’s nuclear issue, Russia-Israel relations, and how to resolve the Palestinian issue.
Looking at the bigger picture, how sustainable and durable is this burgeoning strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, and what are the key factors determining its future evolution?
Everything will depend on the world situation, developments in the Middle East, new US President Donald Trump’s policies, and China’s policies (the influence and role of these superpowers in world politics cannot be denied). It also depends on developments in the domestic political situation in Iran, but things like the development of relations with Russia are currently not very stable.