Publication

This publication discusses the importance to Russia of its bilateral relations with Iran as a demonstration of its determination to pursue an independent foreign policy. The author argues that the nature of their relations can be divided into five areas: economic and nuclear cooperation, conventional arms sales, the Suez Canal as a transport corridor and negotiations over Caspian Sea resources. The publication concludes that Russia sees Iran as a long-term trade partner and intends to pursue this course in spite of US disapproval.