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Iran Seals Russia Defense Pact as US Nuclear Tensions Rise
- Amir Daftari, Newsweek
- May 20
- 3 min read
Iran's parliament ratified a 20-year strategic partnership with Russia on Wednesday, formalizing a broad alliance that expands military and economic cooperation between the two heavily sanctioned nations, according to state media.
The move comes as nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington are in doubt, raising fears of a renewed crisis in the Middle East with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening possible military action if no deal is reached.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department for comment.
Why It Matters
The agreement deepens Iran's alignment with Russia at a time when both countries are under intense pressure from Western sanctions. For Tehran, the pact offers a strategic hedge as nuclear talks with the U.S. falter over uranium enrichment. For Moscow, it secures a critical partner in the Middle East amid its ongoing war in Ukraine and growing isolation from the West. The timing also underscores a broader geopolitical realignment, as Iran and Russia seek to challenge U.S. influence by building alternative defense and economic frameworks.
What to Know
The pact, signed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian in January and ratified by Russia's legislature in April, includes provisions for joint military exercises, defense technology sharing, and coordination against shared threats. However, it stops short of a mutual defense clause, reflecting Moscow's caution in entangling itself in Iran's regional conflicts.
Drone and Missile Collaboration
Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed drones used extensively in the Ukraine conflict, boosting Moscow's strike capabilities. Iran is collaborating with Russia to manufacture drones domestically to bypass Western sanctions and supply shortages. Western officials have also accused Tehran of providing ballistic missiles to Russia, allegations Iran continues to deny.
Economic Integration
The agreement aims to circumvent Western financial systems by linking national payment infrastructures, with over 95 percent of bilateral trade conducted in rubles and rials. A separate free trade deal between Iran and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union came into effect last week, reducing tariffs and boosting trade. Russia has also committed to assisting Iran in developing its nuclear energy sector, including the construction of additional nuclear power units.
U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks
Meanwhile, nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have reached a stalemate. Iran has said it will not halt uranium enrichment or dismantle its missile program, while the U.S. demands significant concessions.
Their last meeting on May 11 was described by Iran as "difficult but useful," while a U.S. official said the administration was "encouraged." Araghchi recently told reporters that Oman will officially announce the time and place of the fifth Iran-U.S. talks soon.
What People Are Saying
Russian President Vladimir Putin: "This truly breakthrough document is aimed at creating the necessary conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia and Iran and our entire Eurasian region."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: "This marks an important new chapter for our countries."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "The nature of this treaty is primarily economic and it encompasses all economic areas such as trade and tourism, transportation and energy."
What Happens Next
With the partnership ratified, Iran and Russia are set to deepen military and economic cooperation as the U.S. and its allies monitor closely amid ongoing nuclear talks and growing regional tensions.
(c) 2025, Newsweek
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