Letter from Iran: Tehran's dreams and Moscow's deceptions

Russia is making a show of support for Iran as the two nations strengthen their ties, but the promised investment may never materialise

While the Ukraine conflict has widened the rift between Russia and the West, a more nuanced transformation is unfolding across the Middle East's geopolitical landscape as a result of the war. Alongside its cautious rapprochement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, shared problems have pushed Iran into deepening its political and economic relations with Russia. Tehran and Moscow have not only expanded their military cooperation, but have also signed economic agreements in the energy and transport sectors. For its part, Iran perceives itself on the brink of realising its long-held aspiration of forging a strategic alliance with Russia and China. The reality is more complex, however. The severit