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Looking behind the Russia-Iran relationship

Despite the common perception of Russia as Iran's main backer outside the region, the two big regional players’ relations are shaped by long-term interests that can clash with immediate concerns and may complicate the battle against the Islamic State.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani at the welcoming ceremony during a summit of Caspian Sea regional leaders in the southern city of Astrakhan, September 29, 2014. REUTERS/Alexei Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Kremlin (RUSSIA - Tags: POLITICS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RTR485US
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani, at the welcoming ceremony during a summit of Caspian Sea regional leaders in the southern city of Astrakhan, Sept. 29, 2014. — REUTERS/Alexei Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

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