Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to enhance bilateral relations. Despite this, Russia and Iran have diverging interests in the South Caucasus, particularly regarding transportation and energy sectors. Key conflicts involve the Zangezur Corridor, economic cooperation with Armenia, and competing energy exports, which may strain their partnership as they struggle to align their objectives.
On January 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming to enhance bilateral relations across various domains, including opposition to NATO expansion and infrastructural projects like the North-South Corridor. However, underlying conflicts regarding their interests in the South Caucasus risks overshadowing this cooperation, particularly in energy and transportation sectors.
The countries exhibit notable disagreements regarding the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and their military ties with Israel and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, divergence also impacts economic relationships with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, particularly concerning energy exports and transportation initiatives. A key point of contention is the proposed Zangezur Corridor, which Azerbaijan supports but Iran opposes due to concerns regarding its border stability.
The tensions were highlighted during President Putin’s visit to Baku, where Russian officials expressed support for Azerbaijan’s unfettered access to Nakhchivan through the Zangezur Corridor. Iran criticized this stance, fearing it would decrease its regional influence and lead to border complications without Armenian oversight. Only Iran and Armenia currently oppose the corridor’s implementation and collaborate against Azerbaijani and Turkish interests.
Additionally, a conflict exists over the Aras Corridor project, intended to create a transportation link from Azerbaijan through Iranian territory to Nakhchivan. Despite cooperation in other infrastructure projects, Russia’s reluctance to endorse the Aras Corridor may stem from its strategic position to monitor and manage transport routes via Armenia under the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, potentially granting Russia greater control.
Russia and Iran also compete in the field of energy exports to Armenia. The bilateral gas-for-electricity agreement originally signed in 2004 and extended to 2030 underscores emerging tensions. Iran’s efforts to develop its gas pipeline were undermined by Russia, which strategically acquired control over essential supply routes to Armenia, hindering Iranian ambitions to export to Georgia and further afield.
In summary, while there exists a strategic partnership between Russia and Iran focused on addressing NATO expansion and regional connectivity, competition in the South Caucasus indicates a complex landscape filled with diverging interests. A resolution of these issues remains essential for both nations to foster a unified approach and reinforce their collaborative efforts in the region.
In conclusion, the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran is fraught with challenges stemming from diverging interests in the South Caucasus. Disagreements over transportation corridors, military alliances, and energy exports underline the complexities of their relationship. Without addressing these conflicts, their collaboration may remain ineffective and uncoordinated, thereby undermining their broader objectives in the region.
Original Source: jamestown.org
