Behind the veneer of strategic cooperation, a centuries-old rivalry and mutual pragmatism are testing the bond between Russia and Iran.
"They don't like each other," a source close to the matter remarked, hinting at underlying tensions.
While both nations share common interests in opposing Western influence and supporting the Assad regime in Syria, their partnership has always been uneasy. Historical mistrust and competing ambitions in the Middle East and Central Asia have resurfaced, raising questions about the durability of their alliance.
Recent disagreements over energy markets, military cooperation, and regional influence have added strain. Some analysts argue that the partnership is more transactional than ideological, making it vulnerable to shifting priorities.
As the war in Ukraine drags on and Iran faces renewed sanctions, both countries may find the alliance valuable but not immune to friction.