Abstract:
This article studies the relations between Russia and Iran under President Khatami (1997·2005). The Russian Federation and the Islamic republic of Iran have experienced expansion of their bilateral relations in recent years. Geographical proximity of the two countries has made both Tehran and Moscow pay attention to the expansion of their bilateral relations. This factor, throughout history in both countries, contributed to different mutual social, economic and political relations. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and appearance of Russian Federation, their relations entered a new phase. From a Western perspective, in Russian foreign policy Iran was evaluated as a centre oflslamic threat. But Eurasianists emphasize using Russian capabilities in order to achieve special goals and search for an independent approach in the country's foreign policy. In parallel to developments in Russian foreign policy, Iran's foreignpolicy also transformed enormously
Machine summary:
"'?' According to this view, the importance of Russian relations with its neighboring republics (the Near Abroad) was highlighted, and in the course of post-Soviet developments, this region was assessed as a territory of vital interests to Russia.
'!" In summer 1997, Russian government which had faced with NATO eastward enlargement on the one hand, and serious Western objections to military operations against Chechen separatists on the other focused attention on relations with Iran in order to reinforce the new Eurasianist approach.
Washington's decision in May 1995 to suspend Iran's legal efforts for concluding oil and gas contracts with the French Oil Company TOT AL and the Russian Oil Company Gazprom, which were signed for exploitation of an Iranian natural gas field, was in fact an indicator of change in American foreign policy.
Military Cooperation Contrary to the early years of Russian Federation's appearance when the country's foreign policy was dominated by the pro-Western leaders, who viewed the Islamic Republic as a threat and "Islamic threat agent" ,<39> expansion of relations with the Islamic Republic, in light of this new Eurasianist perspective, was pursued.
With respect to expansion ofEurasianist orientations and rise in importance of the Middle East and Asian countries in Russian foreign policy, Iran has experienced improved economic-military relations with Russia.
Affected by the 9/11 events, discussions of Iran's nuclear program entered a new era, but Russia continued its support with a mixture of economic, political, technical and geopolitical interests.
S. military presence and influence in Central Asia added to Russian concerns, a fact that in turn helped to strengthen Russia-Iran relations."