Russian deputy PM Alexander Novak and Iranian petroleum minister Javad Owji at the Tehran Oil Exhibition
Letter from Iran: Tehran's dreams and Moscow's deceptions
Russia is making a show of support for Iran as the two nations strengthen their ties, but the promised investment may never materialise
While the Ukraine conflict has widened the rift between Russia and the West, a more nuanced transformation is unfolding across the Middle East's geopolitical landscape as a result of the war. Alongside its cautious rapprochement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, shared problems have pushed Iran into deepening its political and economic relations with Russia. Tehran and Moscow have not only expanded their military cooperation, but have also signed economic agreements in the energy and transport sectors. For its part, Iran perceives itself on the brink of realising its long-held aspiration of forging a strategic alliance with Russia and China. The reality is more complex, however. The severit
Also in this section
18 November 2025
The oil powerhouse will not just join the top five crude exporters in the coming years, it may be a model for how petrostates balance growth, policy and sustainability
18 November 2025
In the second of this two-part series, we look at Shell’s refocusing on returns and the speculation surrounding a potential takeover of BP
18 November 2025
For the first time in its illustrious history, the WPC Energy Congress will convene in Saudi Arabia, bringing together leaders, innovators, and changemakers to chart “Pathways to an Energy Future for All.”
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
