Iran – Russia Treaty upstages Article 51 of U N Charter

Just 3 days before Trump inauguration, Russian President Putin and his Iranian counterpart inked “The Iranian–Russian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in Moscow. Critics rushed to dismiss it as just another agreement devoid of any mutual defence relationship. None understood the business strategy behind it.

Comparison was made between the earlier one signed between Putin and Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on June 18, 2024 which was all purposes a mutual defence and security treaty between North Korea and Russia. The absence of any definitive clause in the Iran-Russia strategic partnership was cited as proof that this is purely a commercial agreement.

True enough, subjects of geoeconomics interest such as energy, transport, regional development, bilateral relationship and host of others were alluded to in the body of the agreement. Missing words & phrases implying defence, security and mutual assistance in military affairs are self-evident. Put it in perspective the pact does not constitute formally as a military alliance and requires no direct obligations from either party in the event of conflict.

Just savour this:

Article 3. In the event that either Contracting Party is subject to aggression, the other Contracting Party shall not provide any military or other assistance to the aggressor which would contribute to the continued aggression, and shall help to ensure that the differences that have arisen are settled on the basis of the United Nations Charter and other applicable rules of international law.

But the devil is in the details. Two clauses of the treaty show the slip. Here we go:

Article 12: The Contracting Parties shall facilitate bolstering of peace and security in the Caspian region, Central Asia, Transcaucasia, and the Middle East, cooperate to prevent interference in the specified regions and destabilizing presence of the third states there, and exchange opinions on the situation in other regions of the world. Plain stuff.

Now let us look at the catch in the Article 47 of Iran–Russia treaty which alludes thus:  “By mutual written agreement of the Contracting Parties, this Treaty may be amended and supplemented. Such amendments and supplements shall form an integral part of this Treaty and enter into force in accordance with its Article”.

Then comes the statement by the permanent representative of Iran in the U N:

Iran's military action against Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defence and in response to the deadly Israeli attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria. Russia accepted & supported his position.

Here is the Article 51 of the U N Charter:

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security”.

Russia and Iran understand how to navigate business strategy. Without calling the pact plainly as mutual defence one they have come roundabout way to imply as such.

No wonder despite all those blusters “bomb bomb bomb Iran” the old beach boy’s song rhymed by the late Senator John McCain still remains in the chart only.

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff Rajulu

Business Strategist

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Business Strategist