Neighborliness has played key role in prompting people and leaders of the two countries to pursue relationships; although there is no exact date of when they initiated the ties for the first time in history, the ten-volume book Travels in Persia by Sir John Chardin says that the Russia-Iran relationship dates back to 1521, when the then Russian ambassador was dispatched to Iran to kick start official ties with the Safavid dynasty.
Now, the Kremlin Palace will host Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in the near future.
Throughout the history, political establishments in Russia and Iran witnessed different sorts of mutual ties, but now the geographical adjacency makes the relationship inevitable.
Like relations between any two countries, Russia-Iran ties have their own proponents and opponanets. International relations prompt decision-makers in all states to take stances based on their own countries’ national interests.
Concerning Moscow-Tehran ties, politicians of both nations pursue a frank relationship based on strict protocols, promotion of common interests in dealing with foreign threats, and strengthening the link via creating new opportunities.
Management of complications in Russia-Iran ties seems to be more feasible and less costly because of their friendly relations and mutual understanding, especially when it comes to facing common threats.
Since Moscow and Tehran are not willing to threaten each other and on the contrary they try hard to have a good relationship, they have been able to outline respectful, frank, and regulated ties.
The two countries also enjoy consolidated relationship and strategic convergence, that have its roots in mutual understanding of joint opportunities and threats.
Ties between Russia and Iran should be observed rationally and pragmatically, as well as free from emotions and hue and cries.
One of the important issues, which can help Moscow and Tehran come closer and join hands, is their efforts to stand against the United States’ bullying policies in particular the sanction campaign.
Bilateral or multilateral agreements can help Russia and Iran to defuse the US’s illegal and cruel sanctions.
Moscow and Tehran need to be cautious on costs and benefits of their mutual relations – while avoiding emotional decision-making.
1424
Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish
