thanks to the conflict, the alliance between Moscow and Tehran is consolidated

Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the cards have been reshuffled diplomatically. New alliances are forged in particular between authoritarian countries when others are consolidated. This is the case of Iran and Russia. For several months, Tehran has been supplying drones to Moscow to strike Ukraine, but the Islamic Republic does not stop there: it has become a leading support in helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions.

It’s as if Russia had found a reliable subcontractor. Thus at the beginning of the month, an Airbus of Aeroflot, the national company, needed a repair on a landing gear but impossible to obtain spare parts because of the sanctions. The plane therefore took the direction of Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran to carry out its maintenance. A form of civilian logistical support, but the military is not far off. Some diplomats believe that Iran is sourcing ammonium perchlorate, a fuel for cruise missiles from China, intended in part for the Russian military.

A give-and-take game

Thierry Coville, Iran specialist at theInstitute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) sees a give-and-take game here. “Iran has been asking Russia for air defense equipment for a long time”he analyzes. “Perhaps with this delivery of drones, Tehran is hoping for a return of deliveries of fighter jets and possibly anti-aircraft defense systems.”

Moscow has found a sponsor to wage its war, but perhaps also a financial adviser. Tehran has been living under sanctions for years, the regime has learned to put up with it and an appointment intrigues some diplomats: the meeting of the head of the Iranian Central Bank and the Russian Deputy Minister of Economy. Enough to coordinate to better borrow, together, discreet financial circuits.