Iran opens new chapter in relations with Russia
While Moscow and Tehran have historically been neither friend nor foe, and challenges remain, shared interests on Syria, counterterrorism, security and energy could move Iran and Russia increasingly toward more comprehensive strategic cooperation.
During a televised interview on Feb. 5, President Hassan Rouhani commented on Iran’s international relations, asserting that there will be a new dynamic in Iran-Russia relations. Although Rouhani's government is in general pursuing the objective of improving relations with immediate neighbors, there is no doubt that Russia occupies a special position in Tehran's regional and international strategy.
Diplomatic exchanges between the two sides have been on the rise since Rouhani attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek in September 2013. In fact, Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to soon visit Iran to further consolidate this new era in relations.
