Russian-Iranian Relations: Outlook for Cooperation with the Axis of Evil
The Iranian government has been repeated criticized by the international community for the position it has taken in pursuit of nuclear technology. While many nations in the international community have warned Iran not to pursue such a course, Russia surprisingly has not. In fact, it has done just the opposite. Russia has openly admitted to supplying Iran with the technical capability to build a nuclear reactor and is one of Iran’s staunchest advocates in its quest to pursue such a course.[1] In doing so, Russia has blatantly ignored warnings by the international community with full knowledge that its actions could lead to damaged relations. This leads one to question Russia’s basic motives for doing so. Why has Russia defied international pressure and taken such an ardent stance in support of a “nuclear” Iran? Second, what does Russia stand to gain by maintaining relations with Iran? Third, what is the likelihood that Russia will curtail its relations with Iran as a way of appeasing the international community?