The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service commented on the outcomes of the negotiations between the leaders of Belarus and Iran, which took place in Minsk on August 20. According to the agency, the parties officially discussed issues related to the development of cooperation in the fields of trade, science, and education; however, the real agenda was significantly broader.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Restoration of Iran’s Military Capabilities
According to intelligence information, a key issue for Tehran has become the possibilities for restoring air defense systems and electronic warfare capabilities that were significantly damaged during the recent armed conflict with Israel. The Foreign Intelligence Service notes that Belarus, unlike Russia, has fewer restrictions in the military-technical sphere due to sanctions, and therefore can become an important channel for restoring Iran’s defense capabilities.
“For Tehran, a key issue has become the possibility of restoring air defense systems and electronic warfare capabilities, seriously damaged during the recent war with Israel. Belarus, unlike Russia, is less restricted by sanctions in the military-technical sphere and can become a channel for restoring Iran’s defense capabilities,” the Foreign Intelligence Service reports.
Expansion of Cooperation in Civilian Sectors
In addition to military-technical cooperation, Iran is showing interest in addressing domestic issues, particularly the shortage of electricity generation and agricultural machinery. This opens up opportunities for Belarus to participate in large-scale projects that go beyond the publicly stated topics of the negotiations.
The Foreign Intelligence Service believes that Iran hopes to use Belarusian channels to access goods that are under international sanctions.
During the meeting in Minsk, Presidents Alexander Lukashenko and Massoud Pezeshkian agreed to sign an agreement on strategic partnership between the countries. The Belarusian leader also expressed support for Iran’s nuclear program and condemned the application of international sanctions against Iran.