Why Russia always help Iran

 The enduring alignment between Russia and Iran is a complex tapestry woven from shared geopolitical interests, economic necessity, and a mutual desire to challenge the unipolar international order perceived as dominated by the West. While their relationship has historically seen periods of both cooperation and rivalry, recent decades, particularly since the early 2000s and especially following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have witnessed a significant deepening of their strategic partnership.

One of the most significant driving forces behind their convergence is systemic pressure from the West. Both Russia and Iran face extensive international sanctions and diplomatic isolation from many Western nations. This shared predicament has naturally pushed them towards greater military, economic, and political interdependence. For Russia, sanctions following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have amplified its need for alternative partners and markets. Similarly, Iran has long been subjected to sanctions over its nuclear program and other regional activities, making Russia a crucial lifeline for its economy and defense.

From a geopolitical standpoint, both countries harbor ambitions to reshape the global power structure and reduce Western influence, particularly that of the United States. They see themselves as key players in an emerging multipolar world. Iran provides Russia with a strategic partner in the Middle East, a region where Moscow seeks to expand its influence and counterbalance the presence of other global powers. For Iran, Russia offers a powerful diplomatic backer, especially within the United Nations Security Council, where Russia holds veto power. This support is vital for Iran as it navigates international pressure concerning its nuclear program and regional policies.

Military and security cooperation forms a cornerstone of their relationship. Russia has historically been a significant arms supplier to Iran, providing air defense systems, helicopters, and fighter jets. This military-technical cooperation has intensified, particularly with Iran's supply of Shahed combat drones to Russia for use in Ukraine. In return, Russia has reportedly expanded cooperation with Iran in military technology, intelligence sharing, and technical support. There are even discussions and reports of Russia potentially assisting Iran with its nuclear program, a sensitive area that further solidifies their ties. Joint military exercises and collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts also highlight their growing security alignment.

Economic interests are another vital component. Faced with Western sanctions, both countries are actively working to develop alternative financial mechanisms and trade routes to bypass these restrictions. Bilateral trade has seen significant growth, and they are exploring joint infrastructure projects and energy initiatives. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a prime example of their shared vision for enhancing connectivity and creating trade routes that circumvent traditional Western-dominated channels. While both are major energy producers, they also collaborate in the oil and gas sectors, including potential joint projects and efforts to coordinate within organizations like OPEC+. Furthermore, Iran's formal entry into non-Western multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is expected to bring them even closer in their interaction on Eurasian affairs.

Despite the strong convergence, it's important to note that their relationship is often described as "strategic transactionalism." While they share broad goals, their individual revisionist agendas may differ in scope and strategy. Russia also maintains pragmatic ties with other regional powers, including Gulf states and Israel, which can sometimes create a delicate balancing act for Moscow. However, the prevailing pressures and shared strategic objectives continue to drive Russia and Iran into a deepening and multifaceted partnership, one that seeks to challenge the existing global order and foster a more multipolar international system.