On 27 March, Iran and China signed a 25-year accord intended to foster "strategic co-operation". Despite ongoing uncertainty over the deal's actual scope, content and chances of realisation, the agreement has been hailed by Iranian officials as nothing less than a game-changer when it comes to securing the interests of the Islamic Republic. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni
The Islamic Republic s timely vaccine against U.S. pressure?
On 27 March, Iran and China signed a 25-year accord intended to foster strategic co-operation . Despite ongoing uncertainty over the deal s actual scope, content and chances of realisation, the agreement has been hailed by Iranian officials as nothing less than a game-changer when it comes to securing the interests of the Islamic Republic. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni
While most countries these days are seeking supplies of COVID-19 vaccines to get rid of quarantine restrictions and re-open their economies, Iranian politicians seem to regard the recent 25-year accord with China as a vaccine against Western pressure, particularly U.S. sanctions. According to their narrative, the deal will not only boost Iran s much-plagued economy, it will also create a stable alliance between Iran and the East to counter U.S. hegemony and threats.