Despite the warning from the west, Iranian delegates went forward with the plan, which including strengthening the relationship with Moscow. Representatives from both sides expressed strong interests in military empowerment, and political alliance. Such further cooperation could be seen as major political threat to the west, and the international community. In addition, China is eyeing for its own benefits, when it comes to Russia and Iran. How should we understand the strategies behind those nations? Will Iran and Russia step more in this upcoming year?

Jamsheed K. Choksy is a Distinguished Professor, former Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, former Chair of the Department of Central Eurasian Studies, and current Director of the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center at Indiana University - Bloomington. His research covers the development of sectarian communities in Central Asia, the Near East, and South Asia studied through interdisciplinary approaches involving religious studies, history, international affairs, politics, anthropology, archeology, language, literature.