Latest Developments
- Russia Launches Iranian Satellite: Russia successfully launched an Iranian communications satellite into orbit on July 25. The Soyuz rocket carried Iran’s Nahid-2 Satellite as well as two Russian Ionosphere-M Earth observation satellites and 17 additional small Russian satellites. The Nahid-2 has a service lifetime of two years.
- Previous Russian Launches of Iranian Satellites: In November 2024, Russia launched two Iranian satellites named Kowsar and Hodhod, marking the first time that rockets developed by Iran’s private space industry were sent into low Earth orbit. Russia had previously launched Iran’s “Khayyam” observation satellite in 2022, which was built to order in Russia, and Russia sent Iran’s Pars-1 satellite into orbit in February 2024.
- Strategic Partnership Grows: In January, Russia and Iran signed a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” which was approved by the Iranian parliament in May, that aims to boost collaboration in “all spheres.” During the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran in June, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to negotiate a settlement between the two nations but noted that Tehran had not requested explicit military assistance from Moscow during the conflict.
Keep in mind what the US plan for Iran is.
Iran has long used its space program as a cover for the testing and evaluation of missile components it would need to create a nuclear launch vehicle. After devastating attacks on Iran’s enrichment facilities, military leadership, and nuclear scientists, it is not surprising that they are partnering with Russia to launch a satellite, as performing that function in Iran could trigger additional military strikes from Israel. Once permitted, these space launches and missile tests in Iran will be challenged in a way we have not seen previously.” — Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations at FDD Action
Iran and Russia have concluded a short naval exercise in the Caspian Sea
CASAREX 2025 commenced on July 21 and concluded two days later, under the direction of Commodore Mohsen Razzaghi. He announced via IRNA that the Nedaja, the IRGC Navy (Nedsa), and Iranian law enforcement forces would take part, alongside vessels from the Russian Navy. Observers would also participate from the three other Caspian Sea littoral nations – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.