Russia and Iran-US Negotiations

More than ever, it has become clear that security in Middle East won’t be achieved without Iran’s cooperation. Meanwhile, as a country that doesn’t want to lose its influence, Russia wants to maintain strong presence in every strategic region. Iranian Diplomacy has discussed Russia’s role in regional games, its ties with Iran and Russians’ stance towards Iran-US likely talks with Hasan Beheshtipour:

According to Russians their defense cooperation with Iran abides by international laws. Why have they stressed this point?

Russia intends to clarify its defense cooperation doesn’t infringe international law and UN Security Council resolutions. Missiles sold to Iran by Russia are good examples. For example, Tor M-1 is a completely defensive missile system. S-300 is also completely defensive, an anti-aircrafts missile that help Iran maintain the security of its territory. Questioning Russia and protesting missile trade is truly unfair. Of course the missiles haven’t been delivered to Iran yet. However, those protests are all Western propaganda to undermine Iran’s security and pave the way for possible air assaults by Israel or United States.

Moscow has voiced concern over Israel and United States’ threats against Iran. What are the implications?

First of all, we should know that Russia is not helping Iran but fulfilling its own interests. If Russia is selling Iran defensive missile systems, that’s not because they’re tenderhearted, but because of the profits. Another point is that neither Israel nor America is in a situation to attack Iran. And the international atmosphere is not ready. Israel is currently even unable to form a cabinet and public opinion in Israel opposes another war. United States is also crippled with economic problems and is not pondering a raid. That’s just psychological warfare. Russia just reminds them that creating such an atmosphere against Iran destabilizes the region and provokes Iran to react. But even the Russians know that Israel and the United States are not going to attack Iran. This doesn’t mean these countries don’t have the power. They’re facing deep problems to which they can’t add another one.

Why has Russia outrun Iran in cooperation with America over Afghanistan?

This must be clearly examined. Afghanistan is a strategic zone for Russia, a possible starting point for cooperation with Americans. So Russia’s decision is not aimed to sideline Iran. There is room for both Iran and Russia in Afghanistan. Russia is merely pursuing its own interests, seeking to reinforce its position in order to have a card to play against US.

Of course there’s a vague point here. As soon as Americans suggested inviting Iran to Afghanistan conference and Iran stated that it’s pondering the offer, Russians offered NATO to provide it transit routes. This hints at Russia’s sensitiveness to Iran-US cooperation. It is a fact that Russia is closely tracing Iran and United States’ relation and the way this relation heads is substantial for Russia. This makes Russia’s offer somehow questionable.

Why did they make the offer if there is room for both Iran and Russia in Afghanistan?

Russians want United States to understand that they need to cooperate not only with Iran but also with them if they want to solve problems in Afghanistan. From 2001 to the fall of Taliban, the Northern Alliance of Afghanistan cooperated with both Russia and Iran fighting against Taliban. Despite bitter memories, Ahmad Shah Masoud received aides from Russia and France and hoped that with Iran, France and Russia;s help he could defeat Taliban. That’s why Masoud’s successors such as General Fahim, Abdullah Abdullah and Younes Ghanouni cooperated with Americans, Russians and Iranians.

Why does Moscow supporting negotiations between Iran and the United States?

That’s a difficult question. On the surface, Russia supports Iran-US talks since they decrease tensions and struggle between Iran and America is against Russia’s interests. From this perspective, that’s a sincere support.

However, Russia doesn’t definitely favor normalization of ties. Strained Iran-US relations are more beneficial since they restrict Iran in its deals with Russia. Russians are fully aware of this. So they support détente, but not normalization. Their interests lie in Iran-United States continuous conflict.