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EXPERT COMMENT

A flurry of diplomatic meetings and positive statements suggest Tehran sees closer cooperation with Moscow as key to its short-term survival and long-term deterrence.

The US-Israeli war with Iran is fundamentally changing how Tehran views Russia. Moscow was previously perceived by some in Tehran as an unreliable partner that benefited disproportionately from Iran’s support. But Russia is now increasingly seen as an important partner to ensure Iran’s military survival, post-war reconstruction and long-term deterrence.

Positive meetings

In October alone, senior Iranian and Russian officials held three high-level meetings, reflecting the growing importance both governments attach to the partnership. 

On 8 October, Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian met Russian president Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan on the sidelines of regional summit meetings. They emphasized the mutual political will to deepen ties across virtually every sector, including trade and economic cooperation.

On 19 October, Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov travelled to Tehran for the first since the war began on 28 February. He met President Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaei. They discussed energy, transport and broader bilateral relations. The meetings emphasized the need to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership signed in January 2025, continuing economic and investment cooperation despite the challenges posed by the war.

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