Russia and Iran’s Strategic Partnership Treaty has encountered an unexpected delay due to diplomatic challenges following the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials in a helicopter crash in May.
Since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022, Iran has bolstered Russia’s military efforts by providing equipment such as the Shahed drone, crucial for attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. This military collaboration had strengthen the ties between Moscow and Tehran.
In September 2022, discussions on a new treaty were initiated between Putin and Raisi. By January, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty was nearing completion.
However, Raisi’s sudden death disrupted the process. Zamir Kabulov from the Russian Foreign Ministry cited issues with Iranian partners as a reason for the suspension but remained optimistic about the treaty’s future.
Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, reassured that the treaty would be ready for signing after the presidential elections on June 28. Jalali emphasized that the agreement was in its final stages and would have been signed if not for the helicopter crash.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing work on the treaty, noting that the election had slightly shifted the timeline but did not alter the overall progress. This diplomatic pause underscores the treaty’s significance in deepening Russia-Iran ties amid geopolitical tensions.
Hamidreza Azizi, a research fellow at SWP Berlin, noted that Raisi’s death wouldn’t substantially change Iran’s strategic direction, including its nuclear policy and stance on the Gaza conflict. However, the interim period until a new president and cabinet are established may impact Tehran’s diplomatic activities.
