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Why did Velayati meet with Putin?

Despite points of disagreement on specific issues, Iran and Russia seem to be working diligently to develop a deep and strategic friendship.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) welcomes Ali Akbar Velayati, former Iranian Foreign Minister, special foreign affairs envoy and a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the presidential residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, February 8, 2007.   REUTERS/Denis Sinyakov/Pool   (RUSSIA) - RTR1M4ZB

Over the last few months, the Russians appear to be signaling a green light for a deeper relationship with Iran. In fact, after feeling the bitter taste of sanctions on Moscow, Iran and Russia, which have their own disagreements on various issues, are turning into close and strategic friends. More delegations are meeting between these two archenemies of the 19th century, including a recent visit to Iran by the Russian defense minister and the announcement of a “hopeful” solution to the S300 missile dispute, a deal Iran has paid for but Russia has not yet delivered on.

Hassan Beheshti Pour, the ex-chairman of Iran’s Al-Alam TV, told Al-Monitor, “The West’s sanctions against Moscow over the annexation of Crimea to Russia is one of the main reasons for [President Vladimir] Putin approaching Tehran.”

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