Battling sanctions and confronting opponents: Russia and Iran's landmark deal

Russia and Iran have entered into a treaty focused on mutual defense, economic collaboration, and the establishment of a new payment system aimed at counteracting sanctions. Read Full Article at RT.com.

Battling sanctions and confronting opponents: Russia and Iran's landmark deal
Moscow and Tehran have reached an agreement to enhance mutual defense and resistance to sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a strategic partnership treaty on Friday, which has been labeled historic. This treaty encompasses vital areas of cooperation designed to help both countries withstand external pressures. Here are the key provisions:

**Mutual Non-Aggression Guarantees**

A fundamental element of the treaty is a commitment to mutual defense, ensuring that if one nation is attacked, the other will not support the aggressor in any manner.

**Military Cooperation**

The two countries are dedicated to enhancing their defense collaborations, which includes:
- Conducting joint military exercises.
- Advancing military technology development.

**Resistance to Sanctions**

Given that both Russia and Iran face significant sanctions from Western nations, the treaty specifically addresses this issue. Notable points include:
- An agreement not to participate in any sanctions imposed by third nations against each other.
- A commitment to avoid implementing unilateral coercive measures.

**Interdependent Financial Infrastructure**

The treaty outlines plans to establish a payment system that operates independently of third-party nations. This initiative seeks to:
- Reduce dependence on U.S.-controlled financial networks like SWIFT.
- Streamline trade and investment activities between Russia and Iran.

This aspect is a direct response to the economic challenges posed by sanctions on both countries.

**Arms Control**

Moscow and Tehran will work together on global security matters, which cover:
- Initiatives for arms control and disarmament.
- Coordinating efforts to uphold international security standards.

**Energy and Infrastructure**

The treaty indicates a commitment to further cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, aimed at enhancing energy security through the efficient use of fuel and resources. This encompasses collaborative ventures for exploring and developing oil and gas fields in both countries, along with peaceful nuclear energy initiatives, including the construction of nuclear power plants.

The nations also agreed to increase investments in renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects.

**Fighting Propaganda**

To tackle what both nations view as “disinformation and negative propaganda,” the treaty fosters closer relations between Russian and Iranian media organizations. This includes:
- Joint initiatives to counter Western narratives.
- Collaboration in the production and distribution of media content.

**Why Does This Matter?**

The strategic partnership treaty between Russia and Iran signifies a noteworthy development amid their ongoing sanctions from Western powers—Russia for its actions regarding Ukraine and Iran for its nuclear activities. These sanctions have considerably strained their economies and isolated them from global financial systems like SWIFT.

By committing to mutual resistance against sanctions and creating a new, independent payment system, the treaty represents a move towards enhanced economic resilience. It may also serve as a model for other countries looking for alternatives to existing sanctions frameworks, potentially diminishing the impact of Western punitive actions.

On the security front, the agreement is particularly significant in the context of current geopolitical tensions. Both nations have assured mutual defense, agreeing not to assist any aggressor against each other. This is especially relevant as Iran faces military threats from Israel and the U.S. concerning its nuclear program, with Israel indicating a willingness to act unilaterally if necessary.

Simultaneously, Russia continues to contend with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where NATO and the U.S. maintain support for Kyiv.

Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News