The Long Game - Iranian / Russian Relations

Iran, Russia and Qatar hold the largest gas reserves in the world and in a recent statement by the Iranian Oil minister, Nozari, it was confirmed that “there is agreement on setting up of a joint company which would be able to develop work in the three countries any other world spot”. This is another indicator of a broadening politico-economic relationship between Iran and Russia which is quickly developing into more then a marriage of convenience.

So what are some of the other current significant Iranian/Russian projects –

Kamov Lubertsy JSC (KAMO RU) – Iran will be building at least 50 KA-32 helicopters under license (while these are a civilian variant these can easily be converted to military specification).

Atomstroyexport (ATOMST) – Building the Bushehr nuclear power station (14 Nov 08 Moscow affirmed that they were against fresh sanctions relating to Iran’s Nuclear program and at the beginning of 08 the final shipment of U235 was delivered).

Russian Railways (RURAIL) – Beginning of 2008, Russian Railways signed a contract with Iranian Railways on the electrification of the 46-kilometer railway line between Tabriz and Azarshahr.

There has also been continuous speculation on Russian assistance in developing advanced missile technology.

The question is why and I believe the answer is simple – with the considerable decline of Iraq post allied invasion as a preeminent power in the region, Iran’s importance has increased exponentially, they need a friend, someone to guide and support them, someone who has the power of veto on the security council and Russia clearly wishes to expand it’s authority and reassert its position as a global power. Whilst the west has been fumbling about with a questionable short term foreign policy in the Middle East, Russia has been courting the powers to be with a long view to exerting a greater regional influence and accessing Iran’s abundance of natural resources, along with the massive potential in infrastructure projects. At the macro-level Putin’s and subsequently, Medvedev’s soft power approach in Iran is at the moment spot on and is transforming their regional image; Iraq recently announced that Russian companies would be invited to tender for electricity projects, and whilst below the radar, Russia is very active in Syria and Yemen.

In this multi polar global power sharing arrangement you can achieve a lot by doing very little.