'New Axis of Influence' - Could Russia and Iran Form an Alliance?
The initial meeting between Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signifies a significant development in the relations between Moscow and Tehran. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, is seen as a significant moment in the evolution of Moscow-Tehran relations. This encounter was notable as it marked the first direct discussion between the leaders since Pezeshkian took office on July 30. Russian presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov commented that the meeting held great importance, not just for bilateral discussions, “but also for addressing the rapidly escalating crisis in the Middle East.”
Originally, the two leaders were slated to meet at the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24, a gathering that took on added significance following Iran’s recent accession as a full member. Pezeshkian had accepted an invitation to attend this summit, which means another opportunity for dialogue in the near future. Nevertheless, the Ashgabat conference was pivotal. Putin conveyed his satisfaction at finally meeting Pezeshkian, emphasizing that Moscow and Tehran align on various global challenges. Iranian media reported that this meeting reinforced the connection between the two nations, highlighting their resilience against Western efforts to undermine their cooperation.
Coincidentally, shortly after their discussion, news surfaced that the EU plans to implement new sanctions against Iran, citing allegations of Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. Despite consistent denials from both Moscow and Tehran about Iranian arms being used in the Ukraine conflict, and a lack of evidence from the EU, Brussels decided to proceed with sanctions on October 14.
On the same day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions targeting 16 companies and 23 tanker vessels involved in the Iranian petroleum sector. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that these sanctions were a response to missile strikes from Iran against Israel.
The West appears to be reiterating its familiar approach of “you’re either with us or against us,” applying sanctions or threatening military intervention against defiant nations. With military intervention in Iran currently infeasible, sanctions are viewed as the alternative strategy. Pezeshkian has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Europe and the US, hoping for more pragmatic policies, though he is not under any illusions regarding Western intentions.
Iran’s diplomatic history, spanning 3,000 years, has showcased the West’s perceived hypocrisy and fragility. Iranian leaders argue that the sanctions regime against Iran, Russia, and China demonstrates the West’s insecurity, reflecting its inability to acknowledge the diminishing era of US dominance in global politics.
Despite the relatively brief meeting, which lasted about an hour and served mainly as an introduction, it proved fruitful. Putin invited Pezeshkian for an official visit to Moscow, a proposal the Iranian leader accepted. Following their discussions, Pezeshkian shared that the two countries aim to expedite various oil and gas projects, reinforcing the strategic and genuine nature of their relationship. He noted ongoing improvements in cultural, economic, and social cooperation and highlighted the need for mutual support, given their similar international positions.
Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's commitment to finalize bilateral agreements during the upcoming BRICS summit. He characterized the situation in the Middle East as complex, lamenting the apparent disinterest of the US and Western countries in resolving the crisis.
Just weeks earlier, many analysts expressed concerns about the state of Russia-Iran relations, fearing deterioration due to Pezeshkian's reformist stance and his call for renewed engagement with the West. While former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, perceived as a moderate conservative, also urged the US and Europe to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and lift sanctions, diplomatic negotiations recently held between Iranian representatives and their Western counterparts failed to yield tangible results. This does not necessarily mean a reformist presidency would favor the West over alliances with Russia or China, especially since both Russia and China have called for the revival of the nuclear deal, deeming Western sanctions against Iran illegal.
Currently, Russia-Iran relations are undergoing a “reset” characterized by the new Iranian administration. Pezeshkian has signaled that Russia is a key partner for Iran and emphasized the commitment to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran aims to avert a major conflict that could draw in Western powers, complicating the situation for its regional allies.
While Iran has engaged in missile strikes against Israel, it seeks to avoid triggering a broader war. Moscow has encouraged both parties to abstain from direct confrontation, a message that Tehran seems to have absorbed. Political analysts in Iran view the Ashgabat meeting as a significant step toward creating a new “axis of influence” that could counterbalance Western power, reiterating that Russia regards Tehran as a strategic ally poised to stabilize the region through diplomatic efforts. Iran believes that coordinated initiatives with Russia could establish a new security framework and cultivate lasting collaboration impacting both regional and global geopolitical dynamics. Should Israel undertake military action in retaliation for missile attacks, targeting Iranian facilities, Tehran would respond, but it aims to avoid creating complications for its partners.
Putin addressed economic relations between the two countries, noting an uptick in mutual trade, although it remains below 2022 levels with a reported trade turnover of $4 billion, reflecting a 17.3% decline in 2023. Nevertheless, Iranian products are gaining a foothold in the Russian market, with expectations for improvement once Russia's Mir payment system is operational in Iran. Following the meeting, Pezeshkian characterized the collaboration between Russia and Iran as constructive, signaling agreements to accelerate initiatives in gas, infrastructure, water desalination, and other energy sectors.
The significance of the meeting between the two leaders cannot be overstated; it serves to strengthen bilateral relations and explore potential for deeper strategic partnerships with far-reaching implications. The US has expressed unease about the burgeoning cooperation between Russia and Iran. Recently, US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that the US views this growing relationship as destabilizing, not only for the Middle East but for global stability as well. This comment came in light of Pezeshkian’s assertions regarding the persistent and consistent development of Russia-Iran relations, which seem to be gaining traction. In September, multiple high-level Russian officials visited Iran, including Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoigu and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who engaged with Pezeshkian.
Overall, the Ashgabat meeting has dispelled Western concerns of deteriorating relations between Russia and Iran, marking the beginning of a new phase of engagement between the two countries.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
Originally, the two leaders were slated to meet at the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24, a gathering that took on added significance following Iran’s recent accession as a full member. Pezeshkian had accepted an invitation to attend this summit, which means another opportunity for dialogue in the near future. Nevertheless, the Ashgabat conference was pivotal. Putin conveyed his satisfaction at finally meeting Pezeshkian, emphasizing that Moscow and Tehran align on various global challenges. Iranian media reported that this meeting reinforced the connection between the two nations, highlighting their resilience against Western efforts to undermine their cooperation.
Coincidentally, shortly after their discussion, news surfaced that the EU plans to implement new sanctions against Iran, citing allegations of Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia. Despite consistent denials from both Moscow and Tehran about Iranian arms being used in the Ukraine conflict, and a lack of evidence from the EU, Brussels decided to proceed with sanctions on October 14.
On the same day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions targeting 16 companies and 23 tanker vessels involved in the Iranian petroleum sector. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that these sanctions were a response to missile strikes from Iran against Israel.
The West appears to be reiterating its familiar approach of “you’re either with us or against us,” applying sanctions or threatening military intervention against defiant nations. With military intervention in Iran currently infeasible, sanctions are viewed as the alternative strategy. Pezeshkian has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Europe and the US, hoping for more pragmatic policies, though he is not under any illusions regarding Western intentions.
Iran’s diplomatic history, spanning 3,000 years, has showcased the West’s perceived hypocrisy and fragility. Iranian leaders argue that the sanctions regime against Iran, Russia, and China demonstrates the West’s insecurity, reflecting its inability to acknowledge the diminishing era of US dominance in global politics.
Despite the relatively brief meeting, which lasted about an hour and served mainly as an introduction, it proved fruitful. Putin invited Pezeshkian for an official visit to Moscow, a proposal the Iranian leader accepted. Following their discussions, Pezeshkian shared that the two countries aim to expedite various oil and gas projects, reinforcing the strategic and genuine nature of their relationship. He noted ongoing improvements in cultural, economic, and social cooperation and highlighted the need for mutual support, given their similar international positions.
Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's commitment to finalize bilateral agreements during the upcoming BRICS summit. He characterized the situation in the Middle East as complex, lamenting the apparent disinterest of the US and Western countries in resolving the crisis.
Just weeks earlier, many analysts expressed concerns about the state of Russia-Iran relations, fearing deterioration due to Pezeshkian's reformist stance and his call for renewed engagement with the West. While former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, perceived as a moderate conservative, also urged the US and Europe to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and lift sanctions, diplomatic negotiations recently held between Iranian representatives and their Western counterparts failed to yield tangible results. This does not necessarily mean a reformist presidency would favor the West over alliances with Russia or China, especially since both Russia and China have called for the revival of the nuclear deal, deeming Western sanctions against Iran illegal.
Currently, Russia-Iran relations are undergoing a “reset” characterized by the new Iranian administration. Pezeshkian has signaled that Russia is a key partner for Iran and emphasized the commitment to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran aims to avert a major conflict that could draw in Western powers, complicating the situation for its regional allies.
While Iran has engaged in missile strikes against Israel, it seeks to avoid triggering a broader war. Moscow has encouraged both parties to abstain from direct confrontation, a message that Tehran seems to have absorbed. Political analysts in Iran view the Ashgabat meeting as a significant step toward creating a new “axis of influence” that could counterbalance Western power, reiterating that Russia regards Tehran as a strategic ally poised to stabilize the region through diplomatic efforts. Iran believes that coordinated initiatives with Russia could establish a new security framework and cultivate lasting collaboration impacting both regional and global geopolitical dynamics. Should Israel undertake military action in retaliation for missile attacks, targeting Iranian facilities, Tehran would respond, but it aims to avoid creating complications for its partners.
Putin addressed economic relations between the two countries, noting an uptick in mutual trade, although it remains below 2022 levels with a reported trade turnover of $4 billion, reflecting a 17.3% decline in 2023. Nevertheless, Iranian products are gaining a foothold in the Russian market, with expectations for improvement once Russia's Mir payment system is operational in Iran. Following the meeting, Pezeshkian characterized the collaboration between Russia and Iran as constructive, signaling agreements to accelerate initiatives in gas, infrastructure, water desalination, and other energy sectors.
The significance of the meeting between the two leaders cannot be overstated; it serves to strengthen bilateral relations and explore potential for deeper strategic partnerships with far-reaching implications. The US has expressed unease about the burgeoning cooperation between Russia and Iran. Recently, US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that the US views this growing relationship as destabilizing, not only for the Middle East but for global stability as well. This comment came in light of Pezeshkian’s assertions regarding the persistent and consistent development of Russia-Iran relations, which seem to be gaining traction. In September, multiple high-level Russian officials visited Iran, including Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoigu and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who engaged with Pezeshkian.
Overall, the Ashgabat meeting has dispelled Western concerns of deteriorating relations between Russia and Iran, marking the beginning of a new phase of engagement between the two countries.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
