Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s Minister of Defense, landed in Minsk late on Tuesday for an official visit at the invitation of his Belarusian counterpart, Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin.

Why it matters:

The visit signals Tehran’s push to deepen defense and security ties with Belarus, a key Eurasian partner, amid shifting geopolitical alignments and growing defensive cooperation between the two nations.

 

The big picture:

Iran has been steadily expanding its defense partnerships, particularly with countries that share its interest in reducing Western influence in global security affairs. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has strengthened ties with Tehran in recent years, with both sides exploring avenues for enhanced defensive collaboration.

 

Key points:

  • Nasirzadeh was received at Minsk International Airport by Iran’s Ambassador to Belarus, Alireza Sanaei, and Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister for International Affairs, Lieutenant General Ryabenko.
  • Talks will focus on strengthening Tehran-Minsk cooperation in defense and security sectors.
  • The meeting underscores Iran’s broader strategy of diversifying its defensive partnerships beyond traditional allies.

 

Go deeper:

Amidst evolving global security, Iran's engagement with Belarus reflects its strategy of building alliances beyond Western influence. These discussions may lead to greater defense cooperation, technology transfer, and joint strategic projects.

303

Mojtaba Darabi