Iran and Belarus have signed a defense agreement to strengthen military ties and address common security threats. The pact builds on prior collaborations and emphasizes technological exchange and cooperation in military technology and training. The agreement reflects both nations’ resistance to Western pressures while promoting a multipolar world order.
Iran and Belarus have reinforced their military cooperation by signing a defense agreement in Minsk, aiming to address shared security challenges and reinforce a multipolar global order. This pact was established during Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh’s visit, during which he met with Belarusian Defense Minister General Viktor Khrenin, illustrating the increasing military collaboration between the nations.
At the signing, Nasirzadeh highlighted the agreement’s importance for enhancing defense and security ties through actionable steps. In turn, Khrenin underscored it as a cornerstone for creating long-term stability in a time of rising unilateralism. The deal builds upon a previous memorandum from 2023, extending cooperation into sectors like military technology, counterterrorism, and joint training initiatives.
A notable focus of the discussions involved leveraging multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to tackle what Nasirzadeh referred to as “artificial crises imposed by hegemonic powers.” Both leaders criticized Western sanctions and NATO’s expansion while advocating for “defensive diplomacy” rooted in regional alliances, separate from U.S. and European influences.
The agreement emphasizes technological exchanges, particularly in defense manufacturing, which is a notable strength for Iran, offering a platform for potential collaboration. This development follows prior engagements, including a January 2024 meeting between high-ranking military officials from both nations, pointing to a trend of strengthening ties amid increased U.S.-EU pressures.
Observations suggest that the timing of this agreement coincides with intensified Western scrutiny of both countries. Belarus, closely allied with Russia and China, has faced significant Western pressure, especially since the Russo-Ukrainian War, while Iran has long endured Western sanctions. Although the agreement refrains from provocative rhetoric, its focus on “multipolarity” and “resistance to coercion” reflects a shared stance between Tehran and Minsk.
The recent defense agreement between Iran and Belarus signifies a strategic enhancement of military ties aimed at addressing common security challenges and promoting a multipolar world. Through this partnership, both nations are advancing their military cooperation across various domains while advocating for regional alliances that are independent from Western influence, reflecting their shared interests in combatting external pressures.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
