Russian President Putin Visits Iran

TASS: Putin discusses energy cooperation, Syrian conflict with Iran's Supreme Leader

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed hope that today’s talks between Putin and Rouhani would deliver results triggering bilateral trade and economic relations

TEHRAN, November 23. /TASS/. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have discussed issues related to bilateral relationship, including energy cooperation, the situation in Syria and a number of other topics, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

"The conversation with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei lasted more than planned, more than an hour and a half. The conversation was quite positive. The leaders exchanged views on the current state of bilateral relations, including in the trade and economic cooperation as they noted presence of a big number of particular projects in the energy sector and other fields on agenda," Peskov said.

WNU Editor: Topics to be discussed include Syria, the Islamic State, military and economic trade deals, and the price of oil.

More News On Russian President Putin's Visit To Iran

Putin Meets Iran's Supreme Leader on First Visit in 8 Years -- Bloomberg
Putin Holds Plenary Session With Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani -- Sputnik
Russia’s Putin in Iran for talks set to focus on Syria -- AP
Putin in Tehran for Syria Talks -- VOA
Syria on Vladimir Putin's Mind for 1st Trip to Iran in 8 Years -- ABC News
Putin Arrives In Iran For Talks On Syrian Crisis -- RFE
Russian President Putin pays a visit to Iran bearing gifts -- USA Today
Putin lifts barriers to nuclear cooperation with Iran -- UPI
Putin eases ban on nuclear cooperation with Iran -- DW
Putin lifts export ban on uranium enrichment equipment to Iran -- RT
Putin removes ban on nuclear cooperation with Iran -- AFP
Iran's leader calls U.S. regional policies a threat to Tehran and Moscow -- Reuters
Iran, Russia against 'external attempts' to dump Assad -- AFP

A Russian - Iran Split On Syria?

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, met with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. PHOTO: MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/KREMLIN/REUTERS

Wall Street Journal: U.S. Eyes Russia-Iran Split in Bid to End Syria Conflict

Washington’s Middle East allies aim to coax Putin to support limits on Tehran-backed Assad’s time in power.

WASHINGTON—The Obama administration and European and Arab allies are seeking to peel Russia away from its alliance with Iran, a partnership that has bolstered Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said senior diplomats involved in efforts to end Syria’s lengthy conflict.

The efforts, which have unfolded quietly through meetings involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and Middle Eastern leaders, are meant to coax support from Moscow for a limit on Mr. Assad’s time in power. Such a step would solidify an emerging international coalition and help clear the way for a more concerted military effort to counter Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Iran is seen as a brake on those efforts because of its more staunchly pro-Assad position, which it wants the Kremlin to support. If Russia holds fast to Iran and Mr. Assad, it would undermine hopes for an international consensus.

WNU Editor: This is what I call wishful thinking coming from Washington. There are many differences between Russia and Syria .... but on the issue of Syria they are on the same page. The survival of the Assad regime, and containing the rebellion. My prediction .... in the short term both Russia and Iran will try to create conditions on the ground so that Assad can survive, and that future peace talks will be in his favour. But if this conflict continues and conditions on the ground do not change in favour of the Assad regime.... a new strategy will be formulated .... but until then .... the war continues.

Does Russia Fear An Iranian Nuclear Deal?

Russian President Putin and Security Council Secretary Ivanov listen to then Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Rouhani during their meeting in the Moscow's Kremlin.

Elena Holodny, Business Insider: Why Russia fears an Iran nuclear deal

Immediately after six world powers, including Russia, reached an interim deal with Iran on curbing its nuclear program, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree lifting a ban on the delivery of S-300 anti-missile rocket systems and Moscow announced the start of an oil-for-goods swap with Iran.

Russia's actions made it look as though Tehran and Moscow were the world's newest best friends who "can do whatever they like," especially given that there's still a ways to go before a final nuclear deal.

However, Russia may have been quick to act not because it loves Iran so much, but because the Kremlin is afraid that its position on the global stage will be weaker if Tehran's and Washington's relations improve.

WNU Editor:I am not sure about this commentary. Russian - Iranian relations have always been based on pursuing mutual interests .... and I do not see that changing with an Iranian nuclear deal. In fact .... a nuclear deal will mean the end of sanctions and the flow of investments and monies to Iran ... meaning .... more funds for Iran to purchase Russian products from S-300 systems to nuclear reactors.

Is Russia And Iran Forming A Military Alliance?

IBTimes: Russia, Iran Expand Military Ties With New Deal To 'Confront' The US

WNU Editor: I guess all is forgiven since the defense ministers did not mention the controversy over a 2007 contract to deliver the Russian S-300 air-defense system to Iran .... weapon systems that Russia did not supply over objections by the United States and Israel.

More News On Russia And Iran Agreeing To Develop Closer Military Ties

Russia, Iran sign military cooperation deal -- Military Times/AP
Russia, Iran Sign Military Cooperation Deal -- Radio Free Europe
Russia And Iran Just Got Even Closer -- Business Insider
Iran, Russia Sign Military Cooperation Pact, No Mention of S-300 Delivery -- Defense World
Russia, Iran to Sign Agreement on Military-Technical Cooperation -- Sputnik
Russia-Iran Military-Technical Cooperation in Facts and Details -- Sputnik
Russian Defense Minister flies to Iran for signing military cooperation agreement -- ITAR-TASS
Mistrust Dogs Russia-Iran Arms Talks as Shoigu Heads for Tehran -- Matthew Bodner, Moscow Times

Russian - Iran Military Alliance?

Russian President Vladimir Putin passes Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during their meeting at the Kremlin, Jan. 16, 2014. (photo by REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin)

Iran Offers Russia Joint Naval Exercise -- WND

Tehran moving to check U.S. warships in region

TEL AVIV – After reportedly dispatching warships to the Atlantic Ocean, Iran has now offered Russia a proposal to carry out joint naval exercises in May, according to informed Middle Eastern security officials.

The officials told WND that Moscow is considering the proposal but that there was no immediate decision from Russia.

The officials said the proposal was likely a response to Iranian reports of U.S. vessels in the Persian Gulf.

There have been reports that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has deliberately spent time outside the Gulf as a gesture to Iran while the West attempts to implement its interim nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Read more ....

Update: Envoy: Iran, Russia Keen to Expand Bilateral Ties -- FARS News Agency (Iran)

My Comment: The Russians have not responded to this offer .... and I expect no response until after the Olympics. But Russian - Iranian relations are warning up, and I will not be surprised if an announcement on joint Russian - Iranian naval exercises will be made in the next month or two.

Russia Moving Fast To Undermine U.S. Sanctions On Iran

Iranian President Hassan Rohani (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a recent meeting in Bishkek. RFERL

Putin's Oil Slick -- Keith Johnson, Foreign Policy

A possible energy deal between Russia and Iran could torpedo U.S. nuclear talks with Iran

Russia has apparently barged into America's nuclear negotiations with Iran, and is threatening to undermine the U.S.-led sanctions effort by working on a new oil deal with Tehran.

While any such deal could offer some short-term financial succor to Iran, and score a geopolitical victory for Russia, it would create a whole host of headaches elsewhere.

A potential energy pact between Moscow and Tehran promises to complicate the Obama administration's efforts to forestall fresh Iran sanctions coming out of Congress. If the deal comes to pass, and is allowed to stand, it could also undermine the existing sanctions regime on Iran. But the oil deal also raises questions about Russia's long-term strategy in the region.

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My Comment: The West has just lost their "sanctions leverage" over Iran. The Russians and Iranians are also forming a common front on the upcoming Syria peace talks.

Iran Gives Russia A Copy Of A Downed U.S. Drone

The production line of the US ScanEagle drones in Iran. Press TV

Iran Gives Russia Copy of Downed U.S. Drone -- Washington Free Beacon

Given as gift to Russian military leader

The Iranian military has given the Russian army a copy of a downed U.S. drone that was captured and disassembled by Iranian authorities in 2012, Iran’s state-run media reported on Monday.

Iran is believed to have knocked down and captured a sophisticated U.S.-built ScanEagle drone in 2012. Tehran claims to have reverse-engineered the drone and has now reportedly provided one of them to the Russian military as a “gift,” according to the state-run Fars News Agency.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also provided the Russian army with a “video showing how Iran monitors the trans-regional countries’ vessels and equipment in the Persian Gulf,” according to the report.

Iran claims to have captured several U.S. drones patrolling the region and vowed last year to build a domestic reproduction.

Read more ....

Update #1: Iran Gifts Russia Copy of ScanEagle Drone, Video of Monitoring Trans-regional States in Persian Gulf -- Fars News Agency
Update #2: Iran gives Russia copy of US ScanEagle drone as proof of mass production -- The Guardian

My Comment: As drones go the ScanEagle drone is not an "advance model" .... but it is a symbol of the growing military relationship between Russia and Iran.

Russia Warns Of Boost Iran Arms Sales If U.S. Strikes Syria

Alexei Pushkov, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs, attends a news conference in Moscow, March 27, 2012. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Russia Could Boost Iran Arms Sales If U.S. Strikes Syria: Putin Ally -- Reuters

(Reuters) - A senior lawmaker and ally of President Vladimir Putin suggested on Wednesday that Russia could increase arms sales to Iran or review cooperation over Afghanistan if the United States launches military strikes against Syria.

Russia is a long-standing ally of Iran, Syria's main backer and the United States' chief antagonist in the Middle East. Moscow built Iran's first nuclear power station and has supplied it with anti-aircraft defenses.

The remarks by Alexei Pushkov, head of the lower house of parliament's foreign affairs committee, appeared to be part of a drive to convince Washington to refrain from attacking Syria in retaliation for a poison gas attack in Damascus that killed hundreds of civilians.

Pushkov echoed Putin by saying Russia's initiative to have its ally Syria give up all its chemical weapons would succeed only if Washington and its allies rejected the use of force.

Read more ....

Update #1: Russia could up arms sales to Iran if U.S. strikes Syria, Kremlin-linked lawmaker says -- CBS/AP
Update #2: Russia 'to renew offer to supply S-300s to Iran' -- AFP

My Comment: More threats from Russia .... and I do expect Russia to boost arm sales to Iran regardless of what President Obama does.

Update #3: Just days after seemingly halting America’s strike on Syria, Putin vows to arm Iran with missile system -- Daily Mail

Russia Supports Iran .... But Only To A Certain Point

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Reuters/Raheb Homavandi)

Russian Nuclear Support For Iran Limited By Distrust -- Christian Science Monitor

Russia has trained hundreds of Iranian nuclear scientists and blocked international action against Tehran. But beneath the surface, there is profound distrust.

Russia built Iran's first nuclear power plant, once sold Tehran sophisticated weaponry, and refuses to back further international sanctions over Iran's controversial nuclear program, but this apparent coziness belies years of suspicion and growing distance between the two nuclear powers.

Despite the fact that Russia is training hundreds of nuclear scientists to operate the Bushehr plant, Russian analysts say that Moscow has contributed little to Iran's recent strides in uranium enrichment and nuclear technology.

Read more ....

My Comment: Russia's support of Gaddafi was a disaster. It's support of the Assad regime is Syria is an even greater disaster. It's support of Iran has the potential to be the biggest disaster of them all. Why Russia is following such a foreign policy .... your guess is as good as mine.

Russia Returns Iran's Deposit For S-300 Missile Defense System

S-300 missiles. © RIA Novosti. Mikhail Fomichev

Russia To Return $166.8 Million Prepayment To Iran For S-300 Missile Defense System -- RIA Novosti

Russia owes Tehran only the prepayment of $166.8 million for S-300 air defense missile systems, Rostekhnologii head Sergei Chemezov said on Thursday.

The contract to supply Iran with the missile system, one of most effective in existence, was signed at the end of 2007. Russia was to supply five divisions' worth of S-300PMU-1 for $800 million. Russia canceled the contract to supply Tehran with S-300 air defense missile systems because of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Read more ....

More News On Russian - Iran Relations After The S-300 Fiasco

Russia to repay Iran for cancelled missile order -- BBC
Russia to Refund Iran for Canceled Missile Deal -- Voice of America
Russia to refund Iran for cancelled S-300 sale -- Politico
Russia to reimburse Iran for nixed missile pact -- CNN
Russia to refund Iran 'over missile deal' -- AFP
Russia to return $166.8m to Iran for shelved missile deal -- Haaretz

No Russian S-300 Missile Sale To Iran

Image: S-300 surface-to-air missiles. Photo from Radio Free Europe

Russia Prohibiting Weapons Sales To Iran -- CNN

Moscow, Russia (CNN) -- Russia blocked weapons sales to Iran on Wednesday because of U.N. sanctions against the Islamic republic.

President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree that prohibits "the transit across Russia, including by air, the removal from Russia to Iran, and the transfer to Iran outside Russia of any combat tanks, armored personnel carriers, large-caliber artillery systems, warplanes, attack helicopters, military vessels, missiles or missile systems as defined by the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, or materiel and spare parts used for all of the above."

The decree was published on the Kremlin website.

Read more ....

More News On Russia Canceling It's S-300 Missile Sale To Iran

Russia's Medvedev Bans Arms Sales to Iran in Compliance With UN Sanctions -- Bloomberg
Russia rules out supplying missiles to Iran -- The Telegraph
Kremlin bans sale of S-300 missile systems to Iran -- BBC
Russia Drops Plans for Iran Missile Deal -- Voice of America
Russia bans sales of anti-aircraft systems to Iran -- AP
Russia bans delivery of S-300 missiles to Iran -- Reuters

Russian - Iranian Relations Are Starting To Show Strains

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki. © RIA Novosti

The 'Unravelling Relationship' Between Russia And Iran -- BBC

Russia and Iran seemed to be good friends, but in recent weeks the relationship has unravelled.

Since 1991, Russia has been a major supplier of modern arms to Iran.

The Russian-built nuclear power plant in the southern Iranian city of Bushehr is due to finally come on line this year.

In advance, Russia has shipped more than 100 tonnes of low-enriched uranium reactor fuel rods to Bushehr.

Read more ....

More News On Russian - Iranian Relations

Iran says Medvedev's nuke remarks 'divorced from reality' -- RIA Novosti
Russia attacks Iran's verbal assault on Medvedev -- Reuters
Russia says Iran's criticism of Moscow's support for UN sanctions "unacceptable" -- FOX News
Sanctions Vote Strains Russia-Iran Relations -- New York Times
Russia turns on 'irresponsible Iran' -- Jerusalem Post

Russia Suspends S-300 Air Defense Missile Sale To Iran

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (right) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Moscow Tuesday. Alexei Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/Reuters

Russia Suspends Iran Arms Sale Following Israeli PM's Visit To Moscow -- Christian Science Monitor

Russia decided to delay the delivery of S-300 air defense missiles to Iran a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The delay is expected to further strain relations between Moscow and Tehran.

Russia on Wednesday delayed the delivery of S-300 air defense missiles to Iran, citing unspecified technical problems. The announcement comes a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow to urge Russia to take tougher action against Iran’s nuclear program. The delay is expected to further strain relations between Moscow and Tehran.

Read more ....

More News On Russia's S-300 Air Defense Sale To Iran

Russia: S-300 delivery delayed -- Jerusalem Post
Russia delays missile delivery to Iran -- AFP
Russia: Iran arms deal delayed due to technical problems -- Ynet News
Russia says missile delivery to Iran delayed for technical reasons -- Xinhuanet

My Comment: The "sale of the S-300 air defense system is delayed due to technical reasons". Hmmmm .... no one is buying that cover story.

Is Russia Playing Both Sides In Iran Nukes?

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev speaks with German journalists Sunday at the Gorki residence outside Moscow. Sanctions against Iran should not be ruled out if it fails to agree to restrictions on its nuclear program, Medvedev told the German weekly magazine Der Spiegel. Mikhail Klimentyev/REUTERS

From Christian Science Monitor:

Russia signals that it is open to tougher sanctions on Iran, which has failed to respond to an international uranium deal. But rogue scientists in Russia may be continuing to help Iran pursue a nuclear program.

Washington - Iran's failure to respond to an international offer to enrich much of its uranium stockpile outside the country – for use in a Tehran medical research facility – is again raising the prospect of tougher sanctions.

Much of the focus of the sanctions debate is falling on Russia, which has blown hot and cold on additional punitive measures on Iran over its nuclear program – but which is sounding open to the idea once again. The attention is reviving lingering questions about Russian assistance – either official or unauthorized – to Iran's nuclear program and weapons research.

Read more ....

My Comment: Russian reaction to Iran's nuclear program has been perplexing at times. It appears that they are doing this for their own personal interests .... or they are in denial on what is Iran's true intentions. Either way .... Iran is taking advantage of the situation to continue pursuing their program with the confidence that any meaningful sanctions will be vetoed by Russia.

Russian - Iranian Relations Are Not As Friendly As Some Would Like To Believe

Top Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili (R) and
Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov meet in Tehran.

Russia-Iran Relations Balancing on Nuclear Issue -- Voice of America

A senior Iranian lawmaker has warned Russia that continuing to delay the delivery of a missile-defense system to Iran will harm relations between the two countries. The comments were made as Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was scheduled to visit Tehran.

The head of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, Alaedin Borujurdi, is warning Russia that any further delay in fulfilling a contract to sell an anti-aircraft missile-defense system to Tehran would "seriously damage" relations between the countries.

Read more ....

More News On Russia - Iran Relations

Iran Warns Russia Over Missile Delay -- FOX News
Russia must keep promise to supply missiles: Iran -- Reuters
Russia not ruling out Iran sanctions -- Dallas News
Medvedev Says Russia May Back Sanctions on Iran if Deal Falls Apart -- New York Times
Iran hails 'strategic cooperation' with Russia -- Press T

Russia Not Supplying Air Defense Systems To Iran

From Defense Talk:

MOSCOW: Russia is not currently implementing its planned sale of sophisticated S-300 air defence systems to Iran, a top official with the state office for arms sales told Interfax.

"Nothing is happening. Supplies are not taking place," said Alexander Fomin, deputy head of the Federal Service for Arms Cooperation, at an arms fair in Rio De Janeiro.

Russia's plans to provide the systems to Iran have attracted criticism from the United States and Israel, neither of which have ruled out attacks on Iran's controversial atomic facilities.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is good news .... if true.

Russia May Scrap Iran Missile Delivery: Report

Russia's S-300 air defence system on display at a 2001 military parade in Kiev. Russia may shelve the delivery of its advanced missile system to Iran, amid mounting tensions between Tehran and the West. (AFP/Pool/File/null)

From Yahoo News/AFP:

MOSCOW (AFP) – Russia may shelve the delivery of its advanced S-300 air defence missile system to Iran, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday, amid mounting tensions between Tehran and the West.

"Such a possibility is not excluded. The question must be decided at a political level, especially as the contract was worked out on a purely commercial basis," the unnamed source told the news agency.

Read more ....