British intelligence has analyzed the agreement between the two nations identified as part of the "Axis of Evil."

The agreement signed by Iran and Russia is unlikely to signify any significant improvement in their partnership. Distrust between the two nations persists.

This information comes from RBK-Ukraine citing the UK Ministry of Defence in H.

According to the report, Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a new 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement on January 17, 2025.

British intelligence reports that the partnership between Russia and Iran is undoubtedly driven by mutual interests in security and economics, as both countries have grown closer following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia continues to rely on military support from Iran as the war in Ukraine continues.

"However, the level of distrust remains, and tension in their relations is likely to hinder the expansion of their cooperation," the report states.

The British intelligence summary indicates that the agreement is part of a broader framework for cooperation between the two states across various sectors, almost certainly representing a commitment to strengthen bilateral ties. It encompasses collaboration in defense and security, economics, trade, transportation, energy, technology, information, and cybersecurity.

However, unlike agreements between Russia and North Korea or Belarus, the Russia-Iran agreement does not include a mutual defense clause.

"The agreement is likely to provide a legal basis for further Iran-Russia cooperation, formalizing existing and future collaborative efforts. However, it is unlikely to result in any significant improvement in their partnership or a substantial expansion of their current collaboration," the UK Ministry of Defence notes.

The term "axis of evil" was introduced into political discourse by U.S. President George W. Bush in his speech on January 29, 2002. This term described countries that pose a threat to global security and support terrorism. Initially, the "axis of evil" included three countries: Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Iraq's position has now been firmly taken by Russia.

For more details on the relationships between these countries, read the RBK-Ukraine article "Axis of Evil under sanctions. How North Korea and Iran went militarily and whether Russia can do the same".