Russia's Advantages and Disadvantages from the Outcome of the Moscow Talks

-On the other hand, Russia opposes unilateral sanctions that are imposed outside of Security Council decisions.

- It must be noted that the EU also opposed US unilateral sanctions in the past based on two reasons. The EU believed that these sanctions were in contradiction to the World Trade Organization regulations and international law. Therefore, when the American CONOCO company left South Pars, French TOTAL started its activities in the same place to show EU opposition to unilateral actions. But, following the fourth and fifth resolutions of the Security Council, the EU also joined in US sanctions against Iran.

- Legally, Russia does not consider itself committed to unilateral sanctions, but due to the fact that Russian companies have interactions with Iran, thus, they will be punished by the EU and US if they don’t abide by their sanctions. Russia opposes these sanctions because they are decided outside of the Security Council.

- But, regarding Iran's nuclear issue, if a preliminary agreement is reached in Moscow, which will be the beginning of the step-by-step solution to the crisis, this achievement will be a diplomatic and political victory for Russia. Considering the fact that Putin has regained power, this is very important for Russia, and it will certainly make great efforts to direct both parties towards this agreement. 

-There is no doubt that if the Moscow talks do not lead to a preliminary agreement, Russia's efforts will be futile and this will have unpleasant consequences for Iran as well. Besides, Russia and China's hands will be tied with regard to resisting against repeated discussion of this issue in the Security Council, and the further imposition of more expansive sanctions.