Russia and Iran: what to expect from the high-level contact

The leaders of the two countries met for the first time in the format of a personal meeting, and the fact that the moment chosen for this meeting was when both countries are having tense negotiations with the United States and a number of Western countries, speaks volumes, of course. It should also be taken into account that the presidents of Iran do not often leave their country. And for Ebrahim Raisi as president, this foreign visit is his first in general.

China and Russia — who is closer?

Interestingly, despite the obvious significance of the dialogue between the leaders, there was little information about the content of their conversations in the media. In my opinion, this is due to the fact that some issues discussed during the meeting remain "behind the scenes" for the time being, the final results of the visit of the Iranian president will be judged after Mr. Raisi returns to Tehran. Nevertheless, a number of principled positions were outlined.

"We cooperate very closely in the international arena,” the Russian President noted. “I'm not even talking about the fact that thanks to our efforts, it was largely possible to help the Syrian government overcome the threats associated with international terrorism... Now, of course, both you and we are concerned about the situation that is developing in Afghanistan. I would like to discuss all these issues with you and get your position on these issues."

Behind these words, there is a recognition of the increasing importance of Iran's role in the Afghan settlement. Let's recall: on the eve of the visit, it was precisely in Tehran that representatives of the Taliban and the opposition from the National Resistance Front held talks, which was the first real step towards creating an inclusive government. The goal may not have been achieved yet, but it is obvious that the negotiating platform is being palpable.

In turn, Mr. Raisi thanked Russia for its assistance in the country's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Iran became a full member of it in September 2021, that is, already under the current president.

Of course, the latest Moscow meeting should be viewed in the context of greater Eurasian geopolitics. I am referring, first of all, to the recent visit to Beijing by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. As it's known, he said that Iran will actively participate in the Chinese Belt and Road project and is going to strictly adhere to the agreements set out in the Iran-China strategic partnership agreement for 25 years (signed in March 2021). Interestingly, the details of this document (namely, the roadmap to it) still remain non-public.

Many analysts see Iran's rapid rapprochement with China as an attempt by Tehran to exert psychological pressure on the West during the difficult negotiations in Vienna on the so-called Iranian nuclear deal (abandoning the military nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions). In this sense, it is very significant that during his conversation with the Russian president, the Iranian leader recalled his previously expressed desire to conclude an agreement with the Russian Federation similar to the agreement with China.

"We have handed over to our Russian colleagues a document on strategic cooperation between the two countries, which can determine the outlook for at least 20 years," Ebrahim Raisi said.

It is logical to assume that this proposal, to which Tehran is waiting for an answer, has its own roadmaps attached.

The main thing today is to lift sanctions

Now about the context of the Iranian President's visit. For Tehran, it is extremely important in the light of the ongoing negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program in Vienna. As it's known, they have not yet managed to achieve visible results.

First of all, the excessive demands of the United States, which insist on radical concessions from the Iranian side, are hindering.

The topic of the confrontation between Iran and Washington was repeatedly touched upon at the Moscow meeting.

"We have been opposing the Americans for more than 40 years. And we will never stop the progress and development of the country because of sanctions or threats," the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran said.

Nevertheless, during the dialogue, it was seen that Vladimir Putin was trying to somewhat correct the tough position of his Iranian counterpart. In his opinion, it is extremely important for the Iranian side today to achieve the lifting of sanctions. This must be done to revive the national economy, which is not in the best condition. Therefore, progress in the negotiations in Vienna should be sought anyways.

The program of the Iranian President's visit to Moscow was quite diverse. It included not only personal meetings with the President of the Russian Federation, but also a speech in the Russian parliament, a visit to the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, as well as communication with Muslim clergy, in particular, with Mufti Ravil Gainutdin.

I believe that Russian deputies will remember for a long time the congratulations on the New Year and Christmas of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran that sounded from the Duma rostrum. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi noted that the people of Iran and the Islamic world attach great importance to the person of Jesus Christ and respect religious values.

"In accordance with our canonical teachings, we believe that the most important message among all Abrahamic religions is common. This is the spiritual improvement of humanity," he said to the deputies at parting.

Summing up the visit of the President of Iran, we can say that during it a new geopolitical configuration in Eurasia was clearly outlined: Russia-Iran-China.

Elena Panina, Director of the RUSSTRAT Institute