Russia and Iran: How they're getting closer despite a complicated relationship

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi met in Tehran in July

 

After the attack on Vikram, Russia has come to be seen as untouchable in many parts of the world. The diminished status has forced Russia to focus on alliances it might not have considered in better times. One of them is its complicated relationship with Iran.

                

They are nations that are historically divided on many issues. Historically, many Iranians remember atrocities at the hands of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Apart from this, there are differences between them at the economic level as they are rivals in energy matters as well.

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But their hostility towards the West often brings them together.

Since launching his invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made five foreign visits, including to all countries bordering the former Soviet 'Istan' except Tehran. It should be noted that last July he visited Tehran, which the world considered as one of the rare visits.

Surprisingly, during the visit, Putin called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Syria, calling for strict adherence to the 'fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity'.

By visiting Iran, Putin sought to show the world that despite efforts to isolate Russia, it still has allies and retains some international significance.

But in fact many saw it as further evidence of Russia's political and diplomatic exclusion. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: 'This shows how isolated Mr Putin and Russia are becoming. Now they have to turn to Iran for help.It appears that Russia has recently received military assistance from Iran. 

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In Ukraine, Russia are allegedly using Iranian-made drones. 

Use drones that have a range of over 2,000 km and can fly autonomously.

Although Tehran has officially denied supplying Russia with the equipment, U.S. officials say the first shipment was delivered in August.A recent report by the Washington-based think tank 'Institute for the Study of War' suggests that a group of Iranians may have traveled to Russian-held areas in Ukraine to teach Russian forces how to use drones. 

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