Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Iran and Russia and the Goals of Neutralizing Sanctions

The 2025 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Iran and Russia offers significant potential to mitigate Western sanctions. This paper proposes a framework for effective implementation, emphasizing the need for unified coordination among governments, ministries, private sectors, and financial institutions in both nations. Key areas of focus include economic and trade linkages, financial systems, energy cooperation, and cultural and academic exchanges. To neutralize sanctions, Iran and Russia must harmonize procedures across trade, finance, and investment sectors. This includes standardizing cooperation frameworks, streamlining customs processes, and aligning national policies. Developing alternative financial systems, such as SPAM (System for Transfer of Financial Messages) and SPFs (Fast Payment System), is essential to bypass Western-dominated networks. Strengthening energy collaboration and trade ties, alongside fostering private sector involvement through joint ventures and innovation hubs, will enhance economic resilience. Promoting cultural and academic exchanges is crucial for building mutual trust and long-term cooperation. Regular monitoring and adaptability to changing geopolitical and economic conditions will ensure the CSP remains effective. Through some policies like reducing reliance on Western markets and creating robust economic systems, the CSP can bolster the economic resilience of both nations and serve as a model for strategic partnerships under sanctions. It is necessary to understand that the offered policies shall not work as temporary tools and depend on current international environment. Therefore, clear timing (schedule) shall be developed to target long term cooperation of Iran and Russia.

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