Russia iran

Tehran's theater of mourning: What Khamenei's funeral tells us about Iran's next move - analysis

Iran is burying its former leader in a week-long ceremony. Will it now use the boost to try to claw back its influence across the Middle East?

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
People gather at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla for a farewell ceremony for Iran's late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 4, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Khamenei and members of his family were killed on February 28 during U.S.-Israeli strikes at the beginning of the war, bringing an end to his 36-year rule.
Women hold rifles and flags during a pro-government National Army Day demonstration on April 17, 2026 in Tehran, Iran; illustrative.

Iran possesses modern weapons that have not yet been used, tested, military source claims

An Iranian military source told RIA Novosti that Tehran has domestically produced weapons not yet used in battle, warning Iran would not “act with restraint” if US strikes resume.

|ByJAMES GENN
EUROPEAN UNION High Rep. for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas speaks to the media, in March 2026.

If Europe wants to help with Iran, it can target its proxies - opinion

Europe has a golden opportunity to assist in curbing the Islamic Republic’s network of terror

|ByMICHAEL SIEVEKING
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with the Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (2nd R) in St. Petersburg, Russia on April 27, 2026.

Araghchi visit highlights Iran-Russia coordination during US-Iran conflict tensions

Iran turns to Moscow as its foreign minister meets Putin, underscoring efforts to secure backing amid stalled US talks and growing uncertainty over the Iran-Israel conflict dynamics.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Iranian foreign minister to visit Moscow ahead of second Iran-US meeting

Tehran has approached the talks warily, doubting the likelihood of an agreement and suspicious of Trump, who has threatened to bomb Iran if there is no deal.

APRIL 14, 2025ByREUTERS
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tehran, Iran, February 25, 2025.

Does Iran hope Russia can save it from US strikes? - analysis

Moscow may think that it can link a Ukraine deal to a deal that will also help Iran.

APRIL 2, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, speak during a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022

A growing Iranian alliance: Iran, Russia, China come together for naval drills - analysis

Iran doesn’t have a very large navy. The importance is largely related to coordination with China and Russia.

MARCH 11, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iranian Navy ships on a training exercise

Iran holds joint naval drill with Russia, China after rejecting US talks on nuclear program

The exercise includes drills on striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search-and-rescue operations.

MARCH 11, 2025ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
Members of the Iranian navy participate in a joint naval exercise of the Iranian, Chinese and Russian navies the northern Indian Ocean January 20, 2022. Picture taken January 20, 2022.

Putin, Pezeshkian sign Russia-Iran strategic partnership agreement

Putin said Russia regularly informed Iran about what was going on in the Ukraine conflict and that they closely consulted on events in the Middle East and South Caucasus region.

JANUARY 17, 2025ByREUTERS
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attend a documents signing ceremony in Moscow, Russia January 17, 2025.

With an incoming Trump and the fall of Assad, Iran and Russia depend on each other - analysis

Iran and Russia are angling to position themselves before the incoming Trump administration takes office next week. 

JANUARY 16, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
RUSSIA’S FOREIGN MINISTER Sergei Lavrov and Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani shake hands during a meeting of a BRICS group of foreign ministers, in Russia, last week. The threats to Israel from Iran and Hezbollah are also threats to the US, says the writer.

Russian delegation in Tehran ahead of January cooperation pact signing

The proposed deal is set to bolster the ties between Tehran and Moscow.

DECEMBER 24, 2024ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
RUSSIA’S FOREIGN MINISTER Sergei Lavrov and Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani shake hands during a meeting of a BRICS group of foreign ministers, in Russia, last week. The threats to Israel from Iran and Hezbollah are also threats to the US, says the writer.

Iran-Russia cooperation reaches new levels - analysis

Russia is now focused on the region of the Middle East. Iran is backing proxies to attack Israel.

NOVEMBER 25, 2024BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Samarkand

Security guard at US embassy in Oslo arrested for espionage

The man's lawyer said his client had been in contact with Russian and Iranian intelligence officers.

NOVEMBER 22, 2024ByREUTERS
Norwegian flags flutter at Karl Johans street in Oslo, Norway May 31, 2017.

Gazans deserve the right to freedom of movement - opinion

Civilian populations are allowed and even encouraged to flee combat zones to avoid danger. Why can't Gazans?

NOVEMBER 21, 2024ByARI ZIVOTOFSKY
Palestinians make their way as they inspect the damages at Jabalya refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, May 30, 2024