Russia, Iran: Anticipating Moscow's Next Move Amid Heightened U.S. Pressure

MIN READMay 16, 2019 | 20:15 GMT

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif give a joint press conference following on May 8, 2019. Earlier that day, Tehran announced that it was suspending some of its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

(ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)

As tensions intensify over Iran's nuclear development, Russia could become an increasingly important player in helping stave off U.S. pressure on Tehran. Moscow will seize the opportunity to gain leverage in its own standoff with Washington by increasing support to Iran -- though the extent to which it will be able to do so will be limited by Russia's own complex relations with the Middle Eastern country. ...