Why Belarusian ruler Lukashenko went to Tehran
The cooperation roadmap until 2026, which involves articulation in the political, economic, scientific and technical, consular, educational fields, as well as in the fields of tourism, media, culture and the arts – these are the official results of Alexander’s visit Lukashenko to Iran from 12 to 13 March.
Meanwhile, some experts are convinced that the ruler of Belarus traveled to Tehran on behalf of the Kremlin. And so?
Did Lukashenka agree to the supply of weapons to the Russian Federation?
Analysts at the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Alexander Lukashenko acted as a “Kremlin vassal” during his trip to Tehran. In their opinion, with the help of the ruler of Belarus, Russia seeks to deepen cooperation with Iran.
“His visit to Tehran likely forms part of a broader effort by the Kremlin to ensure Iran’s continued support amid international sanctions….
On the eve of Lukashenka’s trip to Iran, Belarusian opposition politician, head of the People’s Anti-Crisis Administration, Pavel Latushko, saidthat Lukashenka will negotiate with Iran to supply the Russian Federation with weapons to continue the war against Ukraine. “We know that for some time now the development and preparation for the production of ballistic missiles on the territory of Belarus, as well as drones in the interests of the Russian Federation, has been going on,” Latushko noted. “In fact, Lukashenka makes visits to those countries that, in the future or already today, it can be argued that they are the “axis of evil”. These are Russia, Belarus, Iran. Most likely, Lukashenka’s next visit will be to North Korea. The only question is regarding China, is China ready to enter this axis of evil?”
Finnish Institute of International Relations expert Grigory Nizhnikov also does not rule out that Minsk and Tehran could discuss the creation of some kind of joint military-technical production, but doubts that Belarus can offer Iran “something serious for Moscow to pay for it .” “I think Moscow receives from Iran all the weapons that Iran wants to supply directly. So what is Lukashenka’s objective?” argues the DW interlocutor.
“Belarus and Iran – partners in crime”
“Belarus and Iran are partners in crime. These are two countries that help Russia (in the war against Ukraine. – Red.), and everyone knows it, it unites them, under pressure from the international community, they now have to interact,” says Natalia Plaksienko-Butyrskaya, Kiev expert on East Asia.
She also draws attention to the fact that Belarus has applied to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), of which Iran has recently become a member. “There is an international organization open to these two countries, which are under sanctions and disadvantaged by the civilized world. They will interact in these fields. Furthermore, Lukashenko said that they talked about support at the diplomatic level, that is, with regard to sanctions issues and a few other things at the international level. They will rely on the UN”, explains the DW interlocutor.
Will Iran teach Belarus to circumvent sanctions?
Recall that Iran has been under US sanctions since 1979, in 2022 the West expanded sanctions against Tehran for supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine and for the harsh crackdown on Iranian protests. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during recent talks with Alexander Lukashenko, said he was ready to share with Belarus ways to develop the economy in the face of Western sanctions.
“Iran learned to circumvent sanctions and, moreover, to produce elements of the military-industrial complex, which turned out to be interesting to Russia. Both the Russian Federation and Belarus are trying to take advantage of this,” says Natalia Plaksienko -Butyrskaya.
In this regard, she also draws attention to the fact that China is also opposed to pressure for sanctions: “China does not like Western countries to impose some sanctions on their representatives because of the human rights situation in Hong Kong and in the Xinjiang Uygur region. But if it turns out to be helping Russia in any way, sanctions could also be imposed because of actions against Taiwan. China loudly declares that it is against sanctions and a circle of countries (Russia, Iran, Belarus) is forming around it, united in opposition to the West.”
What are the economic benefits of cooperation with Iran
Natalia Plaksienko-Butyrskaya also believes that it is important for Lukashenka to find sales markets, because the West has completely closed to him. And, in her opinion, Iran can become for Belarus not only a sales market, but also an important logistics route.
“Lukashenko went to Tehran, first of all, for the money. He will see the economic benefits that this can bring. And, of course, it is very important for him now to somehow join, I would say, this anti-Western coalition, which now is being formed, and see what political and economic benefits he can derive from it”, observes Grigory Nizhnikov.
However, in his opinion, this visit will not bring the desired effect for Alexander Lukashenko. “I think the benefit will be around $100 million. It’s just a drop in the ocean,” says Nizhnikov. your ears. We’ve been watching this for twenty years. He travels to Iran for twenty years and promises that tomorrow there will be a new time, we will do these things here … But nothing happens.”
Source: DW
Anna White is a journalist at 247 News Reel, where she writes on world news and current events. She is known for her insightful analysis and compelling storytelling. Anna’s articles have been widely read and shared, earning her a reputation as a talented and respected journalist. She delivers in-depth and accurate understanding of the world’s most pressing issues.