1
Assistant Professor of International Relations, Iranian Studies Policy Group, Iranology Foundation, Tehran, Iran
2
M.A. in International Relations, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/wsps.2026.413758.1586
Abstract
Iran–Russia relations have long been a contested and debated topic in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, oscillating between the two poles of “strategic alliance” and “interest-based cooperation.” On the one hand, commonalities such as countering the West, cooperation in energy and regional security, joint engagement in Middle Eastern crises, and joint membership in institutions like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have painted an image of convergence and strategic cooperation between the two countries. On the other hand, conflicts of interest on issues such as the legal regime of the Caspian Sea, competition in the global gas market, Moscow’s stance toward the JCPOA, and tactical alignment with some Arab states in the Persian Gulf have meant these relations are always accompanied by suspicion, limits, and distancing. This research, using the theoretical framework of constructivism and the cognitive diplomacy approach, aims to show that Iran–Russia relations are not fully understandable by material or purely geopolitical calculations alone; identity, perceptions, and historical memory also play a decisive role in shaping patterns of cooperation and competition.The findings show that, given the incomplete alignment of interests and the persistence of historical distrust, Russia cannot be considered Iran’s strategic ally
zabihi,R and Golestani,J . (2026). Iran–Russia Relations: Strategic Alliance or Interest-Based Cooperation?. (e108519). Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies, (), e108519 doi: 10.22059/wsps.2026.413758.1586
MLA
zabihi,R , and Golestani,J . "Iran–Russia Relations: Strategic Alliance or Interest-Based Cooperation?" .e108519 , Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies, , , 2026, e108519. doi: 10.22059/wsps.2026.413758.1586
HARVARD
zabihi R, Golestani J. (2026). 'Iran–Russia Relations: Strategic Alliance or Interest-Based Cooperation?', Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies, (), e108519. doi: 10.22059/wsps.2026.413758.1586
CHICAGO
R zabihi and J Golestani, "Iran–Russia Relations: Strategic Alliance or Interest-Based Cooperation?," Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies, (2026): e108519, doi: 10.22059/wsps.2026.413758.1586
VANCOUVER
zabihi R, Golestani J. Iran–Russia Relations: Strategic Alliance or Interest-Based Cooperation?. WSPS. 2026;():e108519. doi: 10.22059/wsps.2026.413758.1586
