Once inconceivable, the paradigm has shifted, and today Iran stands as one of Russia’s most viable and promising partners. The evolving geopolitical landscape has driven Moscow into the arms of Tehran, a partner once deemed too ‘rogue’ in the Western hemisphere. Is this surprising union set to grow stronger than the long-standing, yet often unrequited, affection of Russian elites for Western values and ideals?
Analyzing the core sectors of Russian-Iranian collaboration unveils the potential for profound integration across vital areas of domestic economy.
1. Transport Corridors
In the face of potential blockades of the Gulf of Finland and Turkish straits by NATO nations, Russia is turning to alternative modes of transport. Its bet is on the North-South corridor, designed to connect St. Petersburg and Mumbai, India. The corridor aims to drastically cut delivery times of goods while avoiding trade routes dominated by Western entities.
Key to this ambitious project is Iran, a vital partner due to its strategic geographic location. Multiple transit options exist, such as rail through Transcaucasia or Central Asia, or direct marine routes via the Caspian Sea. The groundwork has already started on a railway section aimed at establishing terrestrial connectivity between Russia and Iran.
2. Energy
Recently, Iranian Oil Minister Javad Ouji revealed plans to form a gas hub, involving Russia, Turkmenistan, and Qatar. He stated, “The Islamic Republic… ranks second in the world with 33 trillion cubic meters of recoverable gas reserves… We are trying to turn the Persian Gulf and Asaluyeh into a gas hub with the support of Russia, Turkmenistan, and Qatar.”
The specifics remain unclear, yet the possibilities are promising. This could involve forming a gas cartel, akin to OPEC, to safeguard the interests of gas producing nations, a move that could potentially disrupt current energy dynamics.
3. Technology
Despite decades of Western sanctions, Iran has proven resourceful, developing an array of technologies that Russia could potentially leverage. Iran’s resilience and innovation might provide Russia with critical components across various sectors, ranging from localized gas turbines to automobile engines.
4. Military-Industrial Complex
The military sector is another domain where Russian-Iranian cooperation could flourish. From Iranian ‘kamikaze’ drones to medium-range and short-range missiles, there are numerous avenues for potential synergies. Tehran, on the other hand, would stand to benefit from a license to manufacture Su-35 warplanes, a crucial asset for safeguarding its airspace.
5. Tourism
Tourism also presents a significant opportunity for bilateral cooperation. Iran’s rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes make it an appealing alternative to popular Western tourist destinations. To encourage Russian tourists, Tehran has removed visa requirements for organized groups from Russia and integrated Russian payment system “Mir” with Iran’s “Shetab”.
As we navigate through this shifting geopolitical landscape, the growing partnership between Russia and Iran is poised to rewrite the rules of international cooperation and redefine the future in a way previously unimaginable.
