How are Iran, Russia connected, and why does it matter in the global struggle? - analysis

Recent Ukrainian accusations of a strike on Caspian Sea vessels involved in Iranian military cargo shipments underscore the increasingly intertwined relationship between Russia and Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia provided "new assistance to the Iranian regime" and has been conducting active satellite surveillance of Gulf states and U.S. military facilities.

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new assistance to the Iranian regime

These connections between Moscow and Tehran are not new. Both nations, alongside China, are key players seeking to alter the global order and diminish U.S. hegemony established after the 1990s. While Iran initially pursued a "third way" between the U.S. and Soviets after its 1979 revolution, circumstances shifted significantly after the Soviet Union's collapse.

Since the early 1990s, Russia has played a crucial role in bolstering Iran's missile and nuclear capabilities. Moscow assisted in completing Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant and continues nuclear cooperation through the Russian state nuclear company Rosatom. This support is particularly significant given the advancements in precision weaponry demonstrated by the U.S. military.

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used in military cargo shipments involving Iran

The formation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 1996 and the emergence of BRICS provided Iran with platforms to collaborate with non-Western countries, including Russia and China. This has facilitated Tehran's access to Russian expertise and technology, crucial for developing its missile program, which has also drawn technology from North Korea and China. Russian entities have been implicated in transferring missile-related technology to Iran, solidifying a relationship where Russia aids Iran in maintaining vital capabilities.

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since the beginning of July, we have recorded active Russian satellite surveillance of the Gulf states and US military facilities located there.