Iran and Russia: Eastern Ally or Southern Threat?

Relations between Iran and Russia appear to have soured during the past year. This rather unexpected negative development in the otherwise close and friendly relations between the two countries has attracted a lot of attention, both in Iran and at the international level. The present article looks into this development and uses such variables as the "great bargain" between Russia and the United States where relations with Iran are used as a "playing card"; "threat perception from Iran"; and finally, "the essential problems related to the nature of relations and mutual expectations". The author, however, gives a higher weight to the latter variable. The article first reviews Iran-Russia relations during the past twenty years, emphasizing that these relations had been based on a mutual misunderstanding; both countries’ perception of each other and the consequent expectations had been misplaced, hence the recent and current difficulties. The author believes, however, that a new relationship can be forged between the two countries based on a sound understanding and appreciation of each other’s respective situation and real capabilities as well as through realistic mutual perceptions and expectations.