Russia is looking to deepen ties with Iran as both of them have been a target of Western sanctions
The President of Russia – President Vladimir Putin today, i.e., Tuesday, July 19, 2022, arrived in Iran to discuss Ukraine war, trade, food grain exports from Ukraine and the unrest in Syria.
He would be holding talks with the Supreme Leader of Islamic Republic of Iran – Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President of Turkey – Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This is Putin’s second foreign trip since the start of Ukraine war in February 2022. Prior to this, Putin visited Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, both former members of the USSR now led by authoritarian rulers and Russian allies.
Putin is looking to deepen ties with Iran as both of them have been a target of Western sanctions. While the West has sanctioned Putin and Russia for invading Ukraine, U.S. imposed sanctions on Iran for abandoning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal which restricted Iran from having stockpile of low-enriched uranium beyond 98%.
The visit follows allegations by the United States (U.S.) that Iran is planning to supply hundreds of drones to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Separately, the Russian energy giant – Gazprom has signed a new development deal worth U.S. $ 40 million (£ 33 million) with Iran’s State oil company. The deal is meant to show that Russia remains unimpacted with the sanctions.
Russia will use the three-way Summit on Syria to try to demonstrate it retains powerful allies and geo-political influence. However, Turkey and Russia are on opposing sides in Syria and in Libya. They have been competing for influence in the South Caucasus. Turkish combat drones have been supporting the Ukrainian military. As for Iran, it’s competing with Russia in global energy markets.
Turkey has threatened to launch a fresh offensive in Northern Syria against U.S.-backed Kurdish militants, a move which both Iran and Russia oppose. The operation is part of Erdogan’s plans to create a 30 km (20 mile) safe zone along Turkey’s border with Syria.
Prior to Putin’s arrival, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met Erdogan and discussed border security. He said that a military attack on Northern Syria would be harmful to Syria, Turkey and to the region. It would only benefit terrorists.
Taking it to twitter, Khamenei tweeted, “We consider the security of #Turkey and its borders to be our security. You should also consider #Syria’s security to be your own security. Syria’s issues should be settled through negotiations. Iran, Turkey, Syria & Russia should settle these issues through dialogue.”
The U.N. Security Council (UNSC) had agreed to re-authorize cross-border deliveries of aid to rebel-held Syria for 6 months after Russia had initially blocked a proposal for a 1-year extension.
The meeting between the leaders could result into an agreement struck between Russian and Ukrainian leaders to ensure the export of 22 million tonnes of desperately needed grain. Last week, the Defence Minister of Turkey said both sides have agreed on ways to ensure the safety of shipping routes for grain ships.
