Iranâs response to Russiaâs aggression against Ukraine has been predictable, with Tehran blaming the US and the West for the crisis, but also pitching for a peaceful resolution of the issue. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 24, 2022, is supposed to have understood Russiaâs concerns saying that the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a threat to independent nations. Iranian Foreign Minister also blamed NATO for the current crisis and Iranâs religious leader, Ali Khamenei during a televised address held the US accountable for the current tensions.Â
After the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action JCPOA/ 2015 Iran Nuclear deal, Iranâs proximity with Russia has increased. Both sides have also been trying to circumvent US sanctions. In 2019, Russian President, Vladimir Putinâs aide said: âTo protect bilateral trade and economic ties…
