Russia has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Iran, building on similar alliances with China and North Korea. These partnerships aim to counter U.S. influence and mitigate the impact of Western sanctions while supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, reports The Geopost.
Key Highlights of the Partnerships
Russia-China “No Limits” Partnership (2022)
On February 4, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a strategic partnership in Beijing, declaring no “forbidden areas of cooperation.” The agreement, signed shortly before Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, focuses on countering U.S. influence and deepening collaboration in:
- Space exploration
- Climate change
- Artificial intelligence
- Internet governance
Although the partnership stops short of a formal military alliance, the two nations have conducted high-level joint military drills in recent years. Bilateral trade surged to $244.8 billion in 2024, up from $146.9 billion in 2021, with China being one of Russia’s largest oil buyers.
The U.S. accuses China of indirectly supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine by supplying components like microelectronics critical for weapon production, which Russia can no longer source from the West due to sanctions.
Russia-North Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2024)
On June 19, 2024, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a treaty in Pyongyang, including a mutual defense clause in the event of aggression. Kim pledged “unconditional support” for Russia’s policies, including its war in Ukraine, and announced cooperation on satellite development.
The U.S. and South Korea allege that North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, anti-tank weapons, and millions of munitions for use in Ukraine. Additionally, reports claim that North Korea sent 11,000 troops to fight in the Kursk region, with many killed or captured. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny these allegations.
Russia-Iran Strategic Agreement (January 2025)
On January 18, 2025, Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a treaty in Moscow to elevate cooperation in trade, energy, and transportation. While lacking a mutual defense clause, the agreement outlines joint military exercises and collaboration against security threats.
Though the treaty doesn’t explicitly mention arms transfers, both nations committed to expanding “military-technical cooperation.” Iran has been a significant supplier of drones to Russia for its operations in Ukraine. The U.S. accuses Iran of providing short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, though Tehran denies the claim. The Kremlin has acknowledged cooperation with Iran in “sensitive areas” without elaborating.
Strategic Implications
These alliances underscore Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with adversaries of the U.S. and NATO, forming a bloc capable of resisting Western sanctions and influencing global geopolitics.
