Mutual Support on International Platforms: Russia and Iran on the Path to a Multipolar World

Russian-Iranian relations long ago moved beyond the framework of ordinary good-neighborliness.

This is not just a diplomatic formula. Behind it lies concrete joint work at key international platforms — the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS — as well as implementation of one of Eurasia’s largest infrastructure projects: the International North–South Transport Corridor.

SCO: From Observer to Full Member

Iran’s history of participation in the SCO spans almost two decades. Since 2005, the Islamic Republic had observer status, but full membership remained impossible for a long time because of UN sanctions that restricted the country’s participation in international organizations until 2016.

The situation changed after the sanctions restrictions were lifted. Russia consistently supported Tehran’s desire to become a full member of the organization. In July 2023, Iran officially became the ninth member of the SCO — an event difficult to overestimate from the standpoint of regional security architecture.

Russia and Iran actively coordinate their positions within the SCO. As Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of the Federation Council, noted, Moscow supports Tehran’s initiatives to institutionally strengthen the organization. In particular, Iran proposed creating an SCO Parliamentary Assembly — a permanent body that would unite the legislative bodies of member states. The Russian side assessed this initiative positively, and it is not ruled out that during Russia’s chairmanship in 2027 the topic will receive further development.

SCO member states have repeatedly confirmed support for Iran’s sovereignty and advocated resolving differences exclusively by diplomatic methods. This indicates that the organization is becoming not merely a discussion platform but a real instrument for protecting the interests of its participants.

BRICS: New Opportunities for Iran

No less significant was Iran’s accession to BRICS. Russia was among the countries that “actively helped facilitate Iran’s accession to BRICS.” Today the association includes ten states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. In addition, Saudi Arabia holds the status of an invited country, although it........

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