Not only weapons – how Russia and Iran are drawing closer behind the scenes

An analysis of scientific publications over the past decade shows that Russia and Iran continue to cooperate in the scientific and technical sphere, including electronic warfare, artificial intelligence, and aerospace developments. Expert Nicole Grajewski notes that Tehran is interested in gaining access to Russian developments, and that Iranian educational programs may have hidden motives. After 2022, the number of Iranian students in Russia increased.

Russia and Iran are deepening cooperation not only in the defense sector but also in the scientific and technical sphere. An analysis of scientific publications over the past decade, conducted by the Russian investigative unit "Systema" (data cited by Radio Free Europe), shows interaction in areas such as electronic warfare, GPS signal spoofing technology, artificial intelligence for drones, and aerospace developments. Expert Nicole Grajewski of Sciences Po Paris notes that Tehran has long sought access to Russian developments, and that foreign educational programs for Iranian graduate students may have hidden motives linked to the government. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the number of Iranian students at Russian universities has increased significantly. Previously, Iran supplied Russia with ammunition and drones, and then Russia established its own production using Iranian technologies.