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Russia-Iran Alliance Crumbles Under Espionage and Rivalry, Says Ukraine’s Intelligence
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Russia and Iran present themselves as allies, but in reality, both regimes view one another as potential adversaries, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) on August 26.
Despite public gestures of partnership, relations between Moscow and Tehran are marked by deep mistrust and concealed rivalry. This is reflected in mutual espionage and clashing geopolitical ambitions.
According to SZR, during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June, Seyyed Mohammad Sadr, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, accused Russia of sharing intelligence with Israel about the locations of Iranian air defense systems. He argued that such actions exposed the futility of Tehran’s ties with Moscow, noting that Russia “condemned Israel’s attack on Iran only in words, while in fact facilitating it.”
At the same time, Russia has sought to expand its economic foothold in Iran. Since 2022, Moscow has poured billions into the country, becoming its largest foreign investor by 2024. Russian investments reached $2.7 billion in 2023, with another $8 billion pledged for Iran’s oil and gas sector.
Russian companies are deeply embedded in Iran’s infrastructure projects, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the Sirik thermal power plant in Hormozgan Province, the Rasht–Astara railway, and a gas pipeline through Azerbaijan.
However, SZR notes that these ambitious plans are increasingly fragile. Historic mistrust, reinforced by modern conflicts of interest, undermines the supposed alliance. “The partnership is an illusion,” Ukrainian intelligence stressed, warning that Moscow risks losing not only Iran but also its role as a major power in the Middle East.
Earlier, Iran asked Russia to supply it with modern air defense systems.
According to two Iranian officials familiar with wartime planning, Tehran has requested and already started receiving advanced radars and air defense equipment from Moscow.
