Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun 
President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran shake hands during their summit meeting in Moscow. (©Reuters)
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President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. Among the agreement's features is a call for the development of bilateral military cooperation.
Putin signed a treaty with the same name in June 2024 with North Korea. Moreover, Iran and North Korea have conducted bilateral arms transactions concerning ballistic missiles and other weapons since the 1980s.
All three countries have been sanctioned by the international community ー Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and the other two countries for their nuclear weapons and missile development programs.
Concern about military collusion among these three pariah nations is not only because of the intensified fighting in Ukraine. Threats to Japan will also surely increase. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government must step up its vigilance and strengthen Japan's deterrent capabilities vis-à-vis Russia and North Korea.
Why International Pariah Nations
The Russia-Iran treaty was signed three days before the inauguration of the second Trump administration. Its preamble states, "We seek a multipolar world order." This underscores Moscow and Tehran's determination to challenge what they call the "world order led by the United States and Europe." In other words, a global order based on international law.
After Iran launched missile attacks on Israel in October 2024, Trump didn't close the door to "strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities" in retaliation. Iran's leaders likely believe they can rely on Russia for support.
The treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang is a pact for a de facto military alliance that provides for mutual military assistance in the event of an emergency.
As a result, North Korea began sending large numbers of combat troops to Russia in the autumn of 2024. Those troops have engaged in fighting with Ukrainian forces. Although there is no such clause in the Russia-Iran Treaty, Russia has procured large numbers of attack drones and ballistic missiles from Iran and is using them to attack Ukraine.
Propping Up Russia's War in Ukraine
These developments reflect Russia's serious shortage of troops and ammunition as its invasion of Ukraine has dragged on.
Forms of "military cooperation” mentioned in the Russia-Iran treaty include "exchanges of military forces and experts, port visits by warships and training of military personnel." There are concerns this could lead to an acceleration of the arms and ammunition supply sent to Russia.
In this regard, CNN television has reported that Iran was exporting arms to Russia via the Caspian Sea. Such a move that violated the international sanctions regime would be totally unacceptable.
Quid Pro Quo for North Korea and Iran
Meanwhile, there are reports that North Korea is receiving reconnaissance satellites, ballistic missiles, nuclear submarines, and other technologies in return for its military cooperation with Russia.
Also, Iran appears to be seeking an up-to-date air defense network. We have to be concerned about how far this military cooperation will go. Japan, the US, Europe, and other freedom-loving members of the international community must closely monitor these troubling developments.
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Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
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