As the United States presses for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, Russia is signaling a parallel strategy — deepening cooperation with U.S. adversaries and portraying itself as resisting Western pressure.

This gesture was on display this week when Iran announced three of its domestically designed aircraft. Satellite launched Ride a Russian rocket into orbit.

The launch was broadcast live by Iran’s Arabic-language state television channel Alam News, which showed footage of the satellite lifting off from Russian territory. The Associated Press and Reuters reported that the satellites were put into orbit by Russian rockets launched from eastern Russia, marking Iran’s seventh satellite launch with Russian assistance.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shake hands during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, January 17, 2025. (Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool Photo source: Reuters)

Iran’s ambassador to Russia Kazim Jalali said the satellites were “designed and produced by Iranian scientists,” Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media, adding that cooperation between Tehran and Moscow continued “despite all sanctions and threats.”

Iranian officials claim the satellites are intended for civilian purposes, including environmental monitoring and agriculture, although Western governments have long warned that Iran’s space program could advance technology suitable for ballistic missile development.

The launch highlights the broader strategic relationship between the parties Moscow This relationship has expanded significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Iran has provided Russia with drones and other military equipment for use on the battlefield, while Russia has provided diplomatic cover, economic cooperation and advanced technological support amid sweeping Western sanctions on both countries.

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A Russian warship and an Iranian army speedboat took part in joint naval exercises on Tuesday. (AP/Iranian Army)

The alliance between Russia and Iran is growing closer as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate. after president Donald Trump Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded sharply to recent warnings that the United States could strike Iran again if it attempts to rebuild its nuclear program.

According to the Associated Press, Pezeshkian said that any attack by the United States would be met with a “harsh and discouraging” response. Iranian officials viewed the warning as defensive, an attempt to deter potential U.S. aggression rather than signaling an intention to start a conflict. Tehran has repeatedly said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the United States and its allies dispute that assertion.

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On September 23, 2020, a Russian Army Mi-24 helicopter flew over a warship in the Tulari Mountains on the Caspian Sea coast of the Republic of Dagestan in southern Russia, participating in the “Caucasus-2020” military exercise, which involved the armies of China, Iran, Pakistan and Myanmar, as well as the armies of the former Soviet Union Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. (Dimita Dilkov/AFP via Getty Images)

The exchange highlighted how Iran and Russia are increasingly positioning themselves as partners in countering U.S. pressure, even as Washington attempts to pursue diplomatic efforts on multiple fronts. Russia has portrayed its partnerships with Iran and other sanctioned countries as evidence that Western efforts to isolate Moscow are failing, while Iran has used its cooperation with Russia to demonstrate technological resilience under sanctions.