Russian military experts visit Iran as both nations deepen ties

In 2024, Russian military experts visited Iran on two separate occasions, signaling a deepening cooperation between the two nations. The visits occurred as Tehran faced regional confrontation with Israel following a Hamas terror attack. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, emphasized the significance of these visits, stating that “Russian missile specialists don’t just appear out of the blue.” He added that “alarm bells should be going off in Washington and Jerusalem” in response to the growing collaboration between Russia and Iran.

The exact nature of the cooperation discussed during these visits remains unclear. However, experts suggest that Iran is seeking further air defense support from Russia, while Russia is purchasing Iranian drones and missiles for use against Ukraine. Nicholas Carl of the American Enterprise Institute highlighted that Russia and Iran are working together to strengthen each other and undermine U.S. global influence.

The partnership between Russia and Iran has intensified since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Iran provided drones and ammunition to support Russia during the conflict, while also purchasing Russian fighter jets and helicopters. In January 2024, the two countries signed a 20-year “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty,” solidifying their alliance.

As Russia and the U.S. engage in talks over Iran’s nuclear program, concerns have been raised about Moscow’s role in these negotiations. Andrea Stricker of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies cautioned against outsourcing Iran nuclear talks to Russia, as Moscow may have a vested interest in keeping Iran close to the nuclear threshold. Stricker emphasized the need for full, permanent, and verified nuclear disarmament of Iran.

President Trump, who withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, has sought to improve relations with Russia and address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recent meetings between U.S. and Russian officials have focused on expanding economic ties and working towards a resolution in Ukraine. As the dynamics in the Middle East continue to shift, the cooperation between Russia and Iran will play a crucial role in shaping regional security and stability.