The Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran: Legal Aspects

The relations between Russia-Persia-Iran span several centuries. They encompass both confrontation – manifested in multiple Russo-Persian wars, the occupation of Iranian territory, and its division into spheres of influence – and constructive, mutually beneficial initiatives. These range includes from the construction of dams and nuclear power plants in Iran to joint efforts in countering terrorist groups in the Middle East. Today, Russia and Iran are bound by a strategic partnership that extends far beyond purely economic objectives. In January 2025, the presidents of the two countries signed The treaty on the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The aim of this study is to conduct a legal analysis of the Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. To achieve this, the author examined the procedure for concluding various types of international agreements in Iran, identified the specific features applicable to the treaty, and paid special attention to determining the legal force of international treaties in Iran and their correlation with existing national laws. As a result of the study, the author concluded that, first, the norms of the official religion play a significant role in the ratification process of signed international treaties in the Islamic Republic. Second, in Iranian legal system there is no general rule granting precedence to ratified international treaties over domestic legislation, except in certain areas. Third, the treaty on the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran serves as a framework for the development of bilateral relations in various directions but does not establish specific obligations for the parties. At the same time, this agreement reflects significant progress in Russia-Iran relations in the 21st century.