Iran, Russia get closer as 20-year agreement within reach

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh last month announced that a 20-year cooperation agreement with Russia had entered the final stages of development, adding that “permission from the cabinet to conduct negotiations” was being obtained. The two countries in 2001 signed a 10-year cooperation treaty, which has since been extended twice for five-years terms. Against this backdrop, conservative President Ebrahim Raisi is expected to soon embark on a state visit to Russia. 

Why the Ukraine war won’t radically alter Iran-Russia ties

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had a variety of regional and international consequences. Energy and food markets have been impacted by the imposition of western sanctions on Russia and challenges to Ukrainian grain exports. As Russia pursues ways to counter sanctions, and Ukraine is unlikely to immediately resume normal export routines, these conditions present both threats and opportunities for other countries—including Iran. 

Re-Focusing on Iran-Russia Cooperation in the Syrian Crisis; A ‘broader’ Strategic Stability on Agenda

Abstract

The main purpose of this article is to examine how and to what extent Iran-Russia cooperation is effective in ensuring ‘broader’ strategic stability through balancing in the Middle East. Strategic stability and balance of power are interrelated components of the region’s order which have changed following the Arab Spring and the Syrian crisis. The article analyzes Iran and Russia’s impact on these two concepts, with a systemic approach, paying attention to interrelationship of variables at regional and international levels. Although strategic stability has been generally considered an issue at international level of great powers politics, this paper, emphasizing on evolution of international relations, believes in a new, complex and multilayered definition of strategic stability - a ‘broader’ one in the Middle East, which is not necessarily ensured by agreements or balance among great powers.  

The Importance of Ending the Arms Embargo: What Is Iran's Plan?

Lifting or extending the UN arms embargo on Iran, which according to SC Resolution 2231 is supposed to be ended in October 2020, has led to a new confrontation between Tehran and Washington. The US has circulated a draft UN resolution that would extend the embargo, and Secretary Pompeo vowed to use all means available to do so.   

How Iran’s next parliament will affect foreign policy

Given the above-mentioned reasons, conservatives’ influence on foreign policy will be limited, and their actions will not be as radical as some might expect. Although they share common principles, their different interpretations of these principles, depending on subject and situation, will prevent them from adopting extreme policies or strategies. ...  

Iran continues dismantling JCPOA nuclear restrictions

Iran is taking another step toward expanding its nuclear program by officially starting construction of the second unit of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Tehran showed it is determined to continue this program by announcing Nov. 10 it has begun expanding the commercial reactor site.   

Russia’s future in Iran looks brighter as Europe, US fade

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out nuclear negotiations with the United States, and on Sept. 26 apparently wrote off Europe as well. That leaves Moscow in the driver's seat as it works with Tehran to develop a system that benefits them both by evading US sanctions.  

Iran seeks relief from US sanctions in Asia

Article Summary
In its foreign policy toward Asian and Eurasian states, Iran is extending its outreach beyond traditional allies China and Russia to draw support from a range of countries and reduce the impact of US sanctions. 

Iran seeks broader defense cooperation with Russia amid US pressure

Iran seeks broader defense cooperation with Russia amid US pressure

Article Summary

As part of a long-term military strategy to fortify its defenses against US threats, Iran is moving closer to Russia — with a vision entailing broader defense cooperation. 

Iran, Russia remain skeptical about US exit from Syria, Afghanistan

Iran, Russia remain skeptical about US exit from Syria, Afghanistan

Article Summary

With the announcement of a US withdrawal from Syria, Iran and Russia can be expected to intensify their bilateral cooperation to achieve common interests rather than turn against each other.  

Iran, Russia move to expand security collaboration

Iran's deputy interior minister for security affairs, Hossein Zolfaqari, met with Vasilii Piskarev, the chairman of the Russian Duma’s Committee on Security and Corruption Control, on Nov. 5. At the meeting, both sides stressed the need to finalize a bilateral security agreement and described cyber»»»  

Regional and International Goals of Russia's Military Presence in Iran

Regional and International Goals of Russia's Military Presence in Iran

Almost half a century after Russian soldiers left Iran’s soil in the aftermath of the World War II in 1946, the country’s military has once more returned to Iran following a new agreement with the Islamic Republic.  

Strategic Pragmatism in Russia’s Relations with Turkey

The speed of fluctuations in relations between Russia and Turkey during the past year has been one of the thought-provoking phenomena amid rapid developments of the Middle East, which has been unexpected for many people. Before the breakout of the ongoing crisis in Syria, Ankara was considered as a “regional ally” for Moscow and both countries pointed to the possibility of increasing their trade exchanges up to USD 100 billion per year, and in the meantime, talked about upgrading their relations to a strategic level.  

Expansion of NATO and its Missile Defense System Pose a Common Threat to Iran and Russia

Expansion of NATO and its Missile Defense System Pose a Common Threat to Iran and Russia

In the first take, continuation of Russophobic policy of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and intensification of its policy to contain Russia can be considered as the main results of the recent summit meeting of NATO in the Polish capital city of Warsaw and an outcome of the decision made by its members to bolster military infrastructure of this organization in Poland and the Baltic states.  

Tactical Changes in Russia’s Foreign Policy and Iran's Caution

Tactical Changes in Russia’s Foreign Policy and Iran's Caution

Turkey’s readiness to restore relations with Moscow, Britain’s exit from the European Union, circulation of some rumors on the Green Continent about the need to revise relations with the Kremlin, increased willingness among Middle Eastern countries to develop relations with Russia, and forthcoming changes in the White House are all new opportunities, which provide Moscow with more options and more expanded maneuvering space in its foreign policy. Adoption of a pragmatic approach, on the other hand, makes it possible for the Kremlin from both theoretical and practical standpoints to make the most of these opportunities.
 

Iran and the Principle of Balance and Containment in Russia's Middle East Policy

Iran and the Principle of Balance and Containment in Russia's Middle East Policy

Although Russia is very much different from its Soviet predecessor and its current assets do not allow for all-out competition or rivalry with the West, the issue of maintaining the “balance” is still important to it from the viewpoint of both security and identity.  

Tactical and Geopolitical Interaction between Iran and Russia in Syria

Tactical and Geopolitical Interaction between Iran and Russia in Syria

Russia’s military intervention in Syria, which has relatively changed equations in this country, enjoys noteworthy and new specifications.  

Iran's Position in Russia’s Incoherent Middle East Policy

The political developments that have swept across the Middle East and North Africa during the past few years, and are collectively known as the Arab Spring, have faced Russia’s interests in those regions with certain challenges. However, they have also provided Moscow with a new opportunity to adopt a more proactive policy toward the Middle East. 

Iran and Opportunity to Strike a Balance in “Either US or Russia” Option

Iran and Opportunity to Strike a Balance in “Either US or Russia” Option

Although the idea of possible reestablishment of Iran's relations with the United States is still at the stage of early speculations and does not seem to be realized even in the medium term, the mere mention of this issue has been followed by different analysis about the possibility of an Iran-US détente and its outcomes.