Iran-Russia partnership activated as Tehran prepares for U.N.-backed sanctions

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Iran and Russia took official effect on Thursday, marking a diplomatic milestone for the Islamic Republic as it prepares to weather U.N.-backed sanctions.

The treaty, signed by the two nations in January, aims to expand economic, diplomatic and military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and will likely act as a counterbalance to Western sanctions.

“The Treaty is evidence of the strategic choice made by the political leadership of Russia and Iran in favour of further strengthening our friendly and good-neighbourly relations, which meets the fundamental interest of our two nations,” the Russian Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement.

The agreement contains 47 articles covering issues of defense, finance and counterterrorism. Notably, the treaty outlines cooperation over peaceful nuclear energy issues.

The U.N. Security Council sanctions were officially imposed Sept. 28 after a 30-day implementation period. They include an arms embargo on Iran as well as banning the importation of nuclear material.

The E3 nations of France, Germany and the U.K. triggered the snapback mechanism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in late August, arguing that Iran failed to adhere to its duties under the treaty. The treaty, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, traded sanctions relief for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. According to E3, Iran’s decision to suspend independent inspections of its uranium enrichment facilities violated the agreement.

The sanctions also curb the travel rights of Iranian officials, which could make it difficult for Tehran’s diplomats to conduct international business. Those officials could also see their assets frozen.

Tehran will likely become even further isolated from the international community as a result of the sanctions. Iranian diplomats spent much of this year negotiating with Western officials in a bid to ease sanctions.

Hopes of a negotiated settlement to Iran’s nuclear program were dashed after war broke out between Israel and Iran in June. Citing the threat posed by a nuclear-powered Iran, Israel launched preemptive strikes on Tehran’s uranium enrichment facilities, military officials and nuclear scientists.

Israel was soon joined by the U.S., which wiped out Iran’s nuclear sites.