Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: We Are Not Obligated to Provide Military Assistance in Case of Attack on Iran

Andrei Rudenko, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, stated that the strategic partnership treaty between Russia and Iran does not imply a military alliance. He warned in the Russian parliament that a potential conflict between Washington and Tehran could have severe consequences for the region, but emphasized: "In the event of such a scenario, Russia is not obligated to provide military assistance." According to the Interfax news agency, Rudenko said on Tuesday, April 8, during a session reviewing the ratification of this agreement in the State Duma of Russia: "I would like to emphasize that the signing of this treaty does not mean the formation of a military alliance with Iran and does not include a commitment to mutual military assistance." He also referred the Duma representatives to Article 3 of this treaty, which emphasizes "not providing military assistance or other types of support to an aggressor in the event of an attack on Russia or Iran" and also "cooperation in resolving disputes based on the UN Charter and other international laws." These remarks come as the Islamic Republic of Iran has expanded its relations with Moscow in recent years, coinciding with the onset of the Ukraine war, providing various weapons, including Shahed drones, to Putin's army. This type of expanded cooperation has come at the cost of new and broader sanctions against Iran. The two countries also recently signed a "comprehensive strategic agreement" that they claim will bring Tehran and Moscow closer together. This relationship faces significant criticism domestically, with opponents warning that Moscow may again use Iran as a lever in larger geopolitical games. Among them, Ali Motahari, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, previously noted the cooperation between Iran and Russia in the Ukraine war, stating: "They dragged us into the Ukraine war, and the first to leak that we had provided drones to Russia were the Russians themselves." Regardless, the Russian parliament on Tuesday, April 8, ratified the 20-year strategic partnership treaty between Tehran and Moscow. This document, signed during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Russia on January 17, defines the framework for long-term cooperation in defense, security, economic, scientific, energy, transportation, and financial sectors. Concurrently with the ratification of the 20-year strategic partnership treaty between Iran and Russia in the State Duma, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday that Russia supports direct and indirect talks between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran's nuclear program, viewing these negotiations as an opportunity to reduce tensions between the two countries. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced on Monday that the U.S. and Iran are set to hold direct talks regarding Iran's nuclear program, although the Iranian Foreign Minister stated that these discussions would take place indirectly with Omani mediation. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, reiterated on Tuesday his support for a political and diplomatic solution to the deadlock between Tehran and Washington on the nuclear issue. He stated: "We know that contacts, both direct and indirect, are being planned in Oman, and of course, we welcome this, as it could lead to a reduction in tensions surrounding Iran." Trump had previously threatened Iran that military action could be possible if an agreement was not reached. Russia had also previously expressed its readiness to help facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington. Meanwhile, Russia, Iran, and China are discussing potential scenarios following the expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 on October 18. The focus of the consultations is on the future of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and countering the militaristic approach of the United States.