Iran and Belarus signed a defense cooperation agreement, enhancing military ties to address shared security threats and advocate for a multipolar world. The pact includes collaboration in military technology and counterterrorism, alongside opposition to Western sanctions. This move highlights the two nations’ strategic partnership amidst increasing geopolitical pressures.
On Wednesday, Iran and Belarus formalized their defense cooperation agreement in a notable enhancement of military collaboration, aimed at addressing mutual security challenges and promoting a multipolar global order. The agreement was signed during Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh’s visit to Minsk, where he met with Belarusian Defense Minister General Viktor Khrenin.
During the signing, General Nasirzadeh underscored the importance of the agreement in strengthening defense interactions and security measures, while General Khrenin described it as foundational for long-term stability in response to increasing unilateralism. The agreement broadens military collaboration, incorporating areas such as military technology, counterterrorism efforts, and joint training initiatives, building on a previous memorandum of understanding established earlier in 2023.
Another significant element of the discussions was the intention to engage in multilateral forums, notably the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to counter what Nasirzadeh referred to as artificial crises instigated by hegemonic powers. Both ministers condemned Western sanctions and NATO’s expansion efforts, advocating for strategies based on defensive diplomacy and the establishment of regional alliances that operate independently of U.S. or European influence.
The agreement further emphasizes the potential for technological exchange between the nations, leveraging Iran’s robust domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. The accord comes after months of interactions between Iran and Belarus, including a January 2024 meeting between Iranian Army Chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi and Belarusian Air Force Commander Major General Andrey Lukyanovich.
This development is significant as it aligns with increasing pressures from the U.S.-EU on both nations. Belarus has faced mounting pressure in recent years, particularly following the Russo-Ukrainian War, while Iran has long endured Western sanctions. Although the agreement refrained from directly provocative statements, its focus on “multipolarity” and “resistance to coercion” aligns with Tehran and Minsk’s unified narrative.
The defense cooperation agreement between Iran and Belarus represents a strategic shift in military relations, aimed at combating shared security threats while promoting a multipolar international landscape. The initiative not only reflects growing collaboration in defense and technology but also signifies both nations’ rejection of Western sanctions and unilateral dominance, indicating a broader realignment of geopolitical alliances.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
