The date was no coincidence. Repeatedly postponed, a new "strategic partnership" between Russia and Iran was finally signed in the Kremlin on Friday, January 17, in the presence of an assembly of officials from both countries, just three days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as US president.

The partnership has been promoted as a global alliance acting to counterbalance West's "diktat". Beyond political posturing, however, it appears to be the fruit of many compromises and subtexts.

Officially, the agreement – the contents of which have not been made public – covers a range of areas, from energy to finance, transport to industry, agriculture, culture, science and technology. But the text also includes exchanges "in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy" including "the construction of nuclear energy facilities," according to information released by the Kremlin. In the eyes of the West, however, which is concerned by the progress of Iran's nuclear program, there can be little doubt that military issues remain the main driving force.

The Ukrainian conflict has led to an unprecedented rapprochement between Russia and Iran. The new partnership plans to step up joint military exercises, training and officer exchanges. Similarly, according to information put forward by both parties, the agreement provides for renewed cooperation between intelligence services, "in order to strengthen national security and counter common threats".

You have 76.66% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.