Iran–Russia strategic economic partnership

Iran, Russia vs. U.S. In Verbal Clash Over Iran's Ballistic Missiles


Leaks this past week from the negotiation room in Vienna show that the issue of ballistic missiles has been brought up by Iran, with the support of Russia, in the nuclear negotiations. This is despite that fact that so far, throughout all the months of negotiations, Iran has steadfastly refused to discuss this issue, claiming that it has nothing to do with its nuclear program.
Nevertheless, at this time the Iranians have raised the issue of ballistic missiles and have demanded that the sanctions connected to them be lifted. The sanctions were imposed due to the fear that Iran is striving to develop nuclear warheads that can be mounted on ballistic missiles.

On July 8, 2015, two days before the end of the second extension of the deadline for announcing a final agreement, a Russian source close to the negotiations leaked to the Iranian news agency Mehr details about a loud verbal clash at a meeting of the sides' foreign ministers two days previously, on July 6.

It should be noted that on June 30, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had instructed Iranian President Hassan Rohani, as part of his plan for Iran's development, "to improve Iran's deterrent capability by means of expanding its missile capability."[1]


The following is the translation of the Mehr report:

Russian Source: Iranian FM Zarif Told Kerry: "You Are In No Position Whatsoever To Determine [Anything] About Iran's Missile Capability"

A Russian source close to the nuclear negotiations told a Mehr correspondent in Vienna: "On Monday evening [July 6], there were intensive negotiations and challenges between Iran and the members of the P5+1 around the negotiating table. At this meeting, the American negotiating team defined Iran's missile capability as a threat to Middle East stability, and demanded, in a threatening tone, that Iran submit to Washington's exact demands regarding the arms embargo on Iran and Iran's missile capability.


"In response to the open threat by the Americans, Iran's foreign minister [Javad Zarif] shouted heatedly at the American negotiating team that all the problems in the region are impacted by their actions and by the West's support for terrorists with funds and weapons. He added, 'You are in no position whatsoever to determine [anything] about Iran's missile capability.'"

Zarif To Western Colleagues: "Never Threaten An Iranian"

The Russian source added: "Following Zarif's resolute reaction, [European Union foreign policy chief Federica] Mogherini entered the conversation and threatened Iran that she would leave the negotiations. The Iranian foreign minister was not deterred, and said assertively to the Western [representatives]: 'Remember, never threaten an Iranian.'

"Zarif's assertive stance was welcomed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said immediately after him, 'Nor a Russian.'"


God bless Russia



Leaks From The Negotiation Room: Iran, Russia vs. U.S. In Verbal Clash Over Iran's Ballistic Missiles

http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/8654.htm

Time to give Iran a few Iskanders   let's see what the West thinks about that

Russia and Iran confirm readiness to expand cooperation in all spheres

Russia and Iran will cooperate in the production of stable isotopes in accordance with the Vienna agreements on Fordow

MOSCOW, August 17. /TASS/. The foreign ministers of Russia and Iran Sergey Lavrov and Javad Zarif held negotiations in Moscow on Monday. Slightly more a month has passed since their last meeting in Vienna, where P5+1 group (five permanent members of UN Security Council and Germany) and Tehran signed a Joint Action Plan on the Iranian nuclear program. Today’s consultations confirm that the Vienna agreement will facilitate expansion of cooperation between Russia and Iran in all spheres.

"The Vienna agreements will have a positive effect on cooperation between our countries in all spheres, in particular in economy and defense," Zarif said. "Our cooperation should expand to include all issues on regional and international agenda," he added saying he is condifent that Russia "will play a decisive role in the implementation of Joint Action Plan."

"The plan allows not only to appropriately solve the situation around Iranian nuclear program with full respect for Iran’s right for a peaceful nuclear program, but also gives a possibility to strengthen trust in the region, ensure elimination of barriers for normal economic and political cooperation on a regional level with Iran’s full-fledged participation," Lavrov said.

"Russia and Iran will cooperate in the production of stable isotopes in accordance with the Vienna agreements on Fordow," Zarif said. "As for cooperation to exchange enriched uranium for natural uranium, the agreement envisages that as well. It is backed by the UN Security Council resolution. I hope that peaceful nuclear cooperation between Iran and Russia will receive a fresh impetus after the Vienna agreements. This includes projects on the construction of new units at Bushehr and on nuclear fuel," the Iranian foreign minister stressed.

Lavrov described cooperation between Moscow and Tehran as comprehensive as it "encompasses all key spheres of cooperation between the countries." "I will particularly stress [cooperation in] economy, especially hi-tech sphere. It is also nuclear energy which bases upon the successful completion of Bushehr-1 project and on intergovernmental protocol and contract on construction of eight Russian-designed power units designed in Iran signed last year," he added. "This is a very promising and large-scale direction [of cooperation] which will strengthen Iran’s energy sphere and at the same time ensure full compliance of non-proliferation regime while respecting Iran’s right for a peaceful nuclear program," Lavrov said.

The foreign minister also noted cooperation between the two countries in military-technical sphere. "In January this year, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu visited Tehran where an agreement on military cooperation was signed, including in the context of the Caspian topic. This is an important task to prevent threats and risks which exist in the region and can exacerbate," he stressed.

Russian foreign minister also confirmed his readiness to pay a visit to Tehran after the date is agreed by both sides.

Why do you think the US lifted sanctions on Iran? The US's objective is to sell arms to Iran to make Iran one of its clients and an enemy of Russia. Russia must sell arms to Iran before the US can to make Iran one of Russia's clients and an enemy of the US. Geopolitics. Geopolitics. Geopolitics.

The US wants sanctions lifted on Iran because it knows Iran will immediately buy weapons... from china or russia or where ever.... it doesn't matter... because then Israel and Saudi arabia and other sunni countries will also have to arm up and who will they buy their weapons from?

The US will not sell a single weapon to iran... Iran hates the US.

There is a delusion amongst american fanbois that the world secretly loves the us and all the us has to do to build a strong pro us partnership is for the us to want it too.

In some cases they are right, but in most they are in another planet.

Iran doesn't want the US as a buddy... it just wants it to fuck off and leave it alone.

Nice  

Russian companies make commercial satellite for Iran

Russia to Develop Earth Remote-Sensing Satellite System for Iran

Nice

Russia to help Iran build own satellite observation systems

Viktor wrote:Nice  

Russian companies make commercial satellite for Iran

Russia to Develop Earth Remote-Sensing Satellite System for Iran

i transferred it here because its about commercial contracts

Russia Offers Iran to Localize Sukhoi Superjet 100 Production - Company Head



Russia has offered Iran to localize a part of the production when acquiring Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, president of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slusar said Wednesday.

"The Iranian side expressed an interest in acquiring the Sukhoi Superjet 100. In return, we are offering large-scale localization of these aircraft in Iran," Slusar said.
He added that the Iranian side has voiced its readiness to buy up to 100 aircraft.

"The agreement on Sukhoi Superjet 100 deliveries could be signed here at the MAKS tomorrow if the negotiations are successful," Dr. Ali Vatani, the deputy for technology development of the scientific and technological department of presidential office told RIA Novosti.

http://in.sputniknews.com/russia/20150826/1015509052.html

Iran, Russia sign agreements to cooperate in science, technology


The Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia signed on Thursday a number of agreements on cooperation in science and technology in a bid to develop specialized cooperation.
The agreements were signed during visit of Vice-President for Science and Technology Affairs Sourena Sattari with respective Russian officials.

The agreements included extensive cooperation in advanced technology such as Nano technology, biotechnology, aerospace technology and engineering services.

Russian officials in the meeting with the Iranian delegation voiced readiness for expansion of all-out cooperation with Iran.

Iran and Russia is to continue cooperation in nuclear energy, said Dmitry Rogozin, Russia's deputy prime minister in charge of defense industry.

Expansion of cooperation would be in the field of aviation, ship building and aerospace industry, said the Russian official.

In the first round of talks between the Iranian envoy and Russian deputy prime minister in charge of defense industry, the two sides agreed on various aspects of mutual cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
Russian companies are keen on cooperation with Iran in defense industry, said the Russian official.

https://www.zawya.com/story/Iran_Russia_sign_agreements_to_cooperate_in_science_technology-ZAWYA20150828074040/

Iran Mulls Russian Military Aircraft Purchase, Joint Space Projects



MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Iran is holding active talks with Russia on the purchase of at least two types of military aircraft, Iranian Vice President Sorena Sattari told the Russian Kommersant daily.

"The relevant talks are going well," Sattari said, adding that he cannot give any further details on the possible contract at this point.

The vice president also said that Tehran is mulling the purchase of the Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 plane — a twin-engine regional passenger jet, which became available commercially in 2011.

"If Russia offers us [Iran] good financial terms, a lot of our airlines would be willing to take them [Superjet 100 aircraft]," he told Kommersant.

The sanctions imposed on the Iran by the United States in 1979 blocked Tehran from purchasing new airplanes and spare parts to repair the old ones. The lifting of anti-Iran sanctions, stipulated in the final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program reached in July, will give Tehran a chance to renew its aircraft fleet.

On Thursday, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Andrei Boginsky told journalists at the MAKS-2015 air show outside Moscow that Iran is considering purchasing dozens of Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.

According to Sattari, Iran is also interested in using Russian rocket carriers to launch satellites into orbit.

"It is important that this is done as part of joint projects. That is, so that we jointly develop and create satellites and cooperate in the sphere of space rocket construction," Iran’s Vice President told the Kommersant newspaper.

Sattari stressed that Russia has no competitors in the sphere of space technology.

Read more: Iran Mulls Russian Military Aircraft Purchase, Joint Space Projects

Russia said to get Iran's clearance for Syria-bound flights

MOSCOW (AP) — Iran has granted permission for Russian planes to fly over its territory en route to Syria, Russian news agencies said Wednesday, a bypass needed after Bulgaria refused overflights amid signs of a Russian military buildup in Syria that has concerned the U.S. and NATO.


The news agencies quoted Maxim Suslov, spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Tehran, as saying it has received Iranian permission for Syria-bound flights. After Bulgaria rejected Moscow's overflight request for Sept. 1-24, a path via Iran and Iraq appeared to be the only one left, as Russia apparently sought to avoid flying over Turkey, which in 2012 grounded a Syria-bound plane carrying radar parts from Moscow.

The controversy over the Russian flights comes amid signs of increased Russian military presence in Syria. Moscow, which has backed Syrian President Bashar Assad throughout the nation's 4½-year civil war, said its military experts are in the country to train its military to use Russian weapons.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the West of creating "strange hysteria" over Russian activities in Syria, saying that Moscow has been openly supplying weapons and sending military specialists there for a long time.

"Russia has never made a secret of its military-technical cooperation with Syria," she said, adding she could "confirm and repeat once again that Russian military specialists are in Syria to help them master the weapons being supplied."

President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have sought to cast arms supplies to Assad's regime as part of international efforts to combat the Islamic State group and other militant organizations in Syria.

Putin hasn't ruled out a bigger role. Asked Friday if Russia could deploy its troops to Syria to help fight IS, he said "we are looking at various options."

By playing with the idea of joining the U.S.-led coalition fighting IS, Putin may hope to reset ties with the West, which have been shattered by the Ukrainian crisis, and also protect Moscow's influence in Syria, where it has a navy base. But the U.S. and its allies have seen Assad as the cause of the Syrian crisis, and Washington has warned Moscow against beefing up its presence.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday for a second time in five days. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Kerry "reiterated our concern about these reports of Russia military buildup," adding if they are true, it could lead "lead to greater violence and even more instability" in Syria.

Indicating a continuing rift, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Lavrov on the call emphasized Syrian government troops' role in confronting extremist groups and the need to take consolidated action.

On Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also said the alliance is concerned about reports about Russia's increased military presence in Syria. He didn't offer details.

A U.S. defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to publicly discuss the issue, said the U.S. has seen the Russians fly a variety of military assets into the airfield south of the Syrian city of Latakia, including troops capable of protecting Russian forces there and modular housing units. He said it indicated that the Russians are preparing for some sort of air operations. The official said he was unaware of any evidence that Russian forces have conducted any offensive military operations in Syria.

Another U.S. official briefed on the latest intelligence declined to confirm or deny whether Russian troops have participated in military operations in Syria. However, he said, U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Russia's deployment of military personnel and weapons to Syria reflect growing concern about Assad's ability to weather opposition gains — and it suggests that Moscow may be willing to intervene directly on Assad's behalf.

Russia's military involvement raises a number of concerns, the U.S. official said, especially because it does not appear to be coordinated with the other countries operating in the area. It is not clear what Russia intends to actually do, he said.

One Lebanese politician said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue that some Russian forces already have taken part in some small-scale operations in Syria, possibly paving way for broader military action against IS, including airstrikes, in the future. He provided no details, and other Lebanese politicians contested the claim, saying the Russians haven't joined the fray yet.

Another Lebanese politician familiar with the issue, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't in a position to publicly discuss the subject, said there are Russian experts and, possibly, pilots, in Syria, but no full-fledged fighting force yet.

"There are experts and there are also crews for advanced equipment," he said. "They have no fighting forces on the ground."

"Russia is a partner in the war," the politician added. "Russia from the beginning told several officials, including Lebanese, that defending Damascus is like defending Moscow. It will do what is needed."

Hisham Jaber, a retired Lebanese army general familiar with the Syrian military, also said Russian military experts have been in Syria for a long time.

"Every time Syria gets new weapons, Russian experts come to train them (Syrians) on these weapons," Jaber said. "Because of current situation in Syria, these experts need protection and special forces are in Syria to protect advanced weapons and to protect the Russian experts who train Syrians. There are plans to build a military air base in the coastal town of Jable."

Jaber said the Syrian coast is a "red line for the regime and the Russians," and it's threatened now after the fall of the northwestern town of Jisr al-Shughour earlier this year into the hands of al-Qaida fighters and their allies. Over the past weeks, militants have shelled the coastal city of Latakia. Jisr al-Shughour is only 50 kilometers (30 miles) away.

"The Russians will not allow the fall of the Syrian coast because of the naval base and the planned air base," Jaber said.

"Until this moment, there are no Russian forces fighting on the ground," he added. "There are experts everywhere, who sometimes give advice in operations rooms to Syrian forces."

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov criticized Washington for refusing to cooperate with the Syrian government in the fight against the IS.

"The basis for action of the U.S.-led anti-IS coalition is flawed, because it should at the very least involve cooperation with the countries on whose turf this battle is being fought," he said, according to Russian news agencies. "When our American colleagues manage to understand that there are global problems that can't be solved without Russia, we will be able to cooperate."

http://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-no-secret-military-specialists-syria-112828419.html

Iran hopes for Russia’s participation in financing construction of Bushehr’s 2 new units

The Iranian side had met with Russia’s Rosatom CEO Sergey Kiriyenko to discuss a number of projects, including the Bushehr-1 nuclear plant that had already been commissioned

VIENNA, September 15. /TASS/. Iran hopes for Russia’s assistance in financing a project for the construction of two new power units at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), told journalists on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 59th general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He said the Iranian side had met with Russia’s Rosatom CEO Sergey Kiriyenko to discuss a number of projects, including the Bushehr-1 nuclear plant that had already been commissioned. Apart from that, he said, the sides had discussed steps on the construction of two new units at the Bushehr plant. Russia had promised to help in financial issues, he added.

In November 2014, Russian and Iran signed in Moscow a package of agreements on the construction of eight nuclear power units in Iran, including a contract for the construction of the Bushehr’s second stage that provided for the building of two nuclear units with a possible expansion to four units.

Earlier, deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Ahmadian said investments in the construction of Bushehr’s two new power units might reach $30 billion.

Apart from that, in line with the Russia-Iran agreements, the sides plan to build four more power units at other plants.

"EXCLUSIVE: Russian, Syrian and Iranian military commanders have set up a coordination cell in Baghdad in recent days to try to begin working with Iranian-backed Shia militias fighting the Islamic State, Fox News has learned.

Western intelligence sources say the coordination cell includes low-level Russian generals. U.S. officials say it is not clear whether the Iraqi government is involved at the moment. Describing the arrival of Russian military personnel in Baghdad, one senior U.S. official said, "They are popping up everywhere." The Russians already have been building up their military presence in Syria, a subject expected to factor prominently in a planned meeting between President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin in New York Monday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. While the U.S. also is fighting the Islamic State, the Obama administration has voiced concern that Russia's involvement, at least in Syria, could have a destabilizing effect.

Moscow, though, has fostered ties with the governments in both Syria and Iraq. In May, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi flew to Moscow for an official visit to discuss potential Russian arms transfers and shared intelligence capability, as well as the enhancement of security and military capabilities, according to a statement by the Iraqi prime minister's office at the time. Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani also was spotted in Baghdad on Sept 22. He met with Shia militias backed by Iran; intelligence officials believe he met with Russians as well. Asked Thursday about Russia's military involvement in Syria, Defense Secretary Ash Carter cautioned that without Russian support for a "political transition" in Damascus, it could "pour gasoline on the ISIL phenomenon rather than to lead to the defeat of ISIL."

But just two days ago, Secretary of State John Kerry said the Russian build-up was consistent with defensive measures. "For the moment, it is the judgment of our military and most experts that the level and type represents basically force protection, a level of protection for their deployment to an airbase given the fact that it is in an area of conflict,'' Kerry said at the State Department Tuesday. This week, former CIA director Gen. David Petraeus testified on Capitol Hill, warning that inaction in Syria carries risks for the United States.

"Russia's recent military escalation in Syria is a further reminder that when the U.S. does not take the initiative, others will fill the vacuum -- often in ways that are harmful to our interests," Petraeus said."

Source: http://therightscoop.com/russia-building-up-military-personnel-in-iraq/

Iraq takes another step away from USA influence

Breakaway: Intelligence on ISIL to be Shared by Iraq Against USA Will

George1 wrote:Iraq takes another step away from USA influence

Breakaway: Intelligence on ISIL to be Shared by Iraq Against USA Will

Sputnik putting its spin on things as usual.

I went to that propaganda site today for my daily news, read a few articles, and found myself wishing we had RIA Novosti back.

There is no evidence that the intel sharing was against the US's 'will', merely that it happened without first consulting the US - which isn't the same thing.

flamming_python wrote:

George1 wrote:Iraq takes another step away from USA influence

Breakaway: Intelligence on ISIL to be Shared by Iraq Against USA Will

Sputnik putting its spin on things as usual.

I went to that propaganda site today for my daily news, read a few articles, and found myself wishing we had RIA Novosti back.

There is no evidence that the intel sharing was against the US's 'will', merely that it happened without first consulting the US - which isn't the same thing.

You can't deny it's a significant development

flamming_python wrote:

George1 wrote:Iraq takes another step away from USA influence

Breakaway: Intelligence on ISIL to be Shared by Iraq Against USA Will

Sputnik putting its spin on things as usual.

I went to that propaganda site today for my daily news, read a few articles, and found myself wishing we had RIA Novosti back.

There is no evidence that the intel sharing was against the US's 'will', merely that it happened without first consulting the US - which isn't the same thing.

I agree about RIA Novosti, but Sputnik seems to be right on this issue.

Wall Street Journal wrote:Russian reconnaissance flights over Iraq to spy on Islamic State militants would complicate the U.S.-led campaign against the extremist group but wouldn’t obstruct it, American officials said Monday after Baghdad left open the possibility of overflights by Moscow.

At the same time, U.S. ability to share intelligence with Iraq could be diminished if the Iraqis are sharing information with the Russians, American defense officials said.

An Iraqi defense ministry spokesman said Monday that his country would be open to Russian intelligence gathering in Iraqi airspace.

The comments came a day after Iraq said it had reached an intelligence-sharing agreement with Russia, the Syrian regime and Iran.

“If Russia needs to participate in aircraft reconnaissance flights, it can make a formal request to the Iraqi government and there will be no objection in my opinion,” said the spokesman, Brig. Gen. Tahseen Ibrahim.

The developments of the past few days signaled a deepening military role for Moscow in Iraq in the midst of a Russian military building in neighboring Syria to prop up President Bashar al-Assad.

Russian officials say “specialists” are on the ground in Syria to help train and equip the president’s forces.

American officials were still trying to decipher Russia’s motives in Iraq and Syria—both of which have lost significant territory to Islamic State.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Barack Obama met Monday on the sidelines of a United Nations summit. A senior administration official said Mr. Obama came away believing Russia’s intentions in Syria are to fight Islamic State.

The two leaders agreed the U.S. and Russian militaries will hold discussions on how to avoid coming into conflict with each other as they both fight Islamic State, the official said.

“It does add a degree of complexity to our operations,” Col. Steve Warren, an American military spokesman in Baghdad, said of the possibility of Russian reconnaissance flights over Iraq. “But it doesn’t cause us to have to stop,” he said of U.S.-led airstrikes on Islamic State—also known as ISIS or ISIL.

Mr. Putin ruled out sending large number of ground troops into Syria.

Col. Warren said he had no indications that the Iraqis had reached out to the Russians for help.

“I think that it is the Russians reaching out to the Iraqis,” he said. Iraq is already well-served by information from U.S. reconnaissance, Col. Warren added.

Though Russia has long exercised considerable influence in Syria, it has yet to get involved in Iraq where the U.S. has been active in supporting Iraqis fighting Islamic State.

Senior Obama administration officials said they expect Iraq could share intelligence from the U.S. with Russia, and therefore Syria, and now has to factor that into cooperation with Baghdad. Col. Warren said the U.S. and Iraqis currently share only intelligence that is specific to Islamic State targets in Iraq. The U.S. “always takes appropriate precautions to safeguard sources and methods,” he said.

Defense officials said the U.S. already must take care to ensure that intelligence shared with the Iraqis doesn’t wind up in the hands of Iran—a close ally of both the Syrian regime and the Shiite-led Iraqi government. Similar restrictions could help mitigate the risk of Iraq sharing U.S. intelligence with the Russians and the Syrians, officials said.

Officials said, however, that it wouldn’t significantly change the U.S. approach to the fight against Islamic State, in part because much of the process for intelligence collection for the effort isn’t highly sensitive. U.S. officials stressed Iraq is a sovereign country, and Washington can’t block the government from cutting a deal with Russia.

“We know many nations in the region—like Iran—have significant interests in ISIL’s defeat,” a senior administration official said.

“Our message to them has been consistent: Whatever unilateral actions they take should not interfere with coalition operations.”

The Iraqi government said the intelligence-sharing pact would set up a committee to coordinate the efforts between the four countries.

But it remained unclear whether that committee would coordinate with other nations—particularly rivals such as the U.S.—and if so, how.

Mr. Putin said Russia was setting up a center with Iraq, Syria and Iran to “coordinate the efforts of regional powers in fighting” Islamic State and other terrorist groups. He said Russia was open to any other countries joining.

“It’s not about having a unified command…but at least coordinating our actions.”

Iran to Purchase Russian Satellite Equipment, Superjet in $21Bln Deal

Tehran signed contracts worth $21 billion with Moscow for the purchase of satellite-related equipment, as well as Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100) aircraft, at the MAKS-2015 international air show, the managing director of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) told Sputnik Saturday.

TEHRAN (Sputnik) — The Iranian delegation visited the MAKS-2015 air show held in the Russian city of Zhukovsky in the Moscow Region between August 25 and August 30.

"There is a large share of contracts for the purchase of this type of aircraft," Manouchehr Manteghi stated, not specifying, however, the exact number of jets.

In late August, Iranian Vice President Sorena Sattari told the Russian Kommersant daily that the country was holding active talks with Russia on the purchase of at least two types of military aircraft. Tehran was also interested in using Russian rocket carriers to launch satellites into orbit, according to Sattari.

The Superjet 100 is a twin-engine regional passenger jet, which became commercially available in 2011.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/business/20150926/1027583900/iran-satellite-aircraft-contract.html#ixzz3nCgfJX69

Russia considering Iran’s application for $5 bln loan

Such a credit is possible for Iran, though each project will be decided on separately, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak says

TEHRAN, October 22. /TASS/. Russian Economic Development Ministry and Finance Ministry are already considering Iran’s application to receive a $5 bln loan from Russia, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told TASS on Thursday.

"Iran’s application was just submitted to the Economic Development Ministry and Finance Ministry of the Russian Federation. They’re now considering the application," he said.

The Minister added that "budget-funded intergovernmental credit is widely used as a financial instrument for triggering bilateral cooperation between countries." Novak added that "a similar tool was used when cooperating with Cuba." "Such a credit is possible for Iran, though each project will be decided on separately," he added.

As TASS reported earlier with reference to Deputy Energy Minister Anatoly Yanovsky, Russian banks, including development bank VEB and the country’s second-biggest lender VTB, may be organizers of a loan for Iran worth $5 bln.

The Russian, Iranian, Hezbollah military triangle


Lebanon's Hezbollah members stand at attention in front of a picture of Hassan al-Haj, one of Hezbollah's top commanders who was killed fighting alongside Syrian army forces in Idlib province, during his funeral in his hometown of al-Luwaizeh, southern Lebanon, Oct. 12, 2015. (photo by REUTERS/Ali Hashisho)

Since Hezbollah’s intervention in Syria became apparent in the summer of 2012, it has been a subject of hot debate both within Lebanon and beyond. Many questioned the wisdom of this step, saying that by engaging in the Syrian conflict, Hezbollah had tarnished its image after gaining high popularity in the Arab world as an anti-Israeli resistance force.

But with the latest twist of events sparked by the Russian intervention in Syria, which started Sept. 30, the Lebanese movement may very well be in the driver's seat to assume a major regional role. This could mean the birth of a “new Middle East,” albeit in stark contrast to the one then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spoke of shortly after Israel began its war on Lebanon in July 2006 with the aim of “crushing Hezbollah.”

A major indicator supporting the above notion is that Russia does not seem to be replacing the “Iranian-Hezbollah axis” in Syria, but rather complementing and strengthening this axis. According to political commentator with Russia’s Kommersant publishing house Sergei Strokan, there now exists a “Russia, Iran, Hezbollah military triangle” in Syria.

In a telephone interview with Al-Monitor, Strokan said, “Hezbollah can do some things that Russia can’t afford to do itself,” as putting “Russian boots on the ground [in Syria] is a subject of heated debate [within Russia].”

He added, “The Russian public is worried that something similar to Afghanistan might take place.”

Hezbollah for its part appeared jubilant, from day one of the Russian airstrikes. Just hours after the first airstrikes were launched on Sept. 30, a Hezbollah official emphasized during a private discussion with Al-Monitor that Moscow "has its partners on the ground in the Syrian army and its allies, like us."

A second Hezbollah official recently told Al-Monitor about reports of the establishment of a joint operations room in Damascus for the coordination of efforts between Russia, the Syrian army, Iran and Hezbollah. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, underscored that the Lebanese movement — and its allies in Syria — were now receiving “support from a superpower, and Hezbollah [along with the Syrian army] was providing intelligence to Moscow in the air raids being conducted.”

An Iranian source, who maintains close contact with both the Russian and Chinese sides, went even further, saying that Hezbollah’s regional patron, Iran, had “brought the Russians [into Syria].” This scenario is further supported by reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military intervention was planned out during a visit by the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, to Moscow in late July.

Within this same framework, the chief international correspondent of the Al Rai Kuwaiti newspaper, Elijah Magnier, has also reported about a division of labor agreement, whereby Russian warplanes provide air support for the Iranian and Hezbollah fighters on the ground (in addition to Iraqi and Afghan fighters), as they attempt to retake lost Syrian territories.

Meanwhile, director of the military and security studies program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Michael Eisenstadt, as well as former head of Israeli military intelligence Amos Yadlin, have also shed light on the likelihood that the Russian intervention in Syria will only serve to strengthen the position of Hezbollah — and Iran — in that country.

At the same time, Russian experts point out that Moscow’s intervention in Syria is part of a broader strategy in the Middle East, whereby success in Syria could spell success for Putin’s bid to assume a leadership role in the Middle East, a role Putin is widely believed to aspire to.

Strokan said President Putin has placed high stakes on success in Syria and therefore “can’t afford to lose.”

If such a scenario is indeed playing out and the “Russian, Iranian, Hezbollah military triangle” is victorious in Syria, Hezbollah will not only go down as one of the major players that changed the geopolitics of the Middle East, but will also have established itself as a strategic partner in this “new Middle East.”

Ironically, the movement could go from being an organization that was internationally recognized as a terrorist group to an organization that is an “internationally recognized” anti-terrorist force — although such an outcome is far from guaranteed.

The establishment of the joint operations headquarters between Russia and Iran in Iraq to share intelligence in the fight against terror only serves to reinforce the notion that Moscow will seek to expand its regional role through coordination with Iran and Hezbollah.

According to the well-informed Iranian source who asked not to be named, Russia and China "have come to view Iran and Hezbollah [along with the Yemeni Ansar Allah group, which is viewed as the Yemeni version of Hezbollah] as the most effective fighting force against terror.”

Strokan expressed a similar view, underscoring that for Russia, “Hezbollah is getting much more important.” Expanding Russia’s leadership “obviously would require it to maintain close contact and cooperation with influential players in the region,” Strokan said, adding that “Hezbollah’s role is not restricted to Syria.”

Indeed, Hezbollah stands ready to enter into a similar arrangement with Moscow in Iraq. When asked whether the movement was ready to replicate the coordination with Russia on the Iraqi battlefield, the Hezbollah official nodded in approval.

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/11/hezbollah-syria-russia-iran-coordination.html#ixzz3qUJT9ju6, November 2, 2015

Russia's geological state holding plans gas, oil, gold and ore projects in Iran — CEO

Geophysical exploration of gas fields in the South Caspian region and services of drilling technologies and enhanced oil recovery are considered in respect of hydrocarbons

MOSCOW, November 10. Russia's Rosgeo plans to work in different areas in Iran and is considering gas, oil, gold and ore projects, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian geological holding Roman Panov told TASS in the interview on Tuesday.

"Geophysical exploration of gas fields in the South Caspian region and services of drilling technologies and enhanced oil recovery are considered in respect of hydrocarbons. We are viewing proposals on aerial geophysical studies of promising areas and prospecting of hardrock gold and lead and zinc ore in terms of solid mineral resources. We will also probably deal with research related to enhanced gold recovery from refractory ore and assessment of salt deposits’ reserves," Panov said.

The company is also interested in projects in the sphere of underground waters in Iran, he added.

Putin To Visit Tehran





MOSCOW, November 13 (Sputnik) — Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Iran's capital Tehran on November 23 to take part in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Friday.

"We are preparing to take part in the third Gas Exporting Countries Forum on November 23 in Tehran, and Russia will evidently participate on the highest level, our president will go there," Ushakov told reporters.

He added that bilateral meetings could take place on the sidelines of the forum, both with Iranian authorities and with other countries represented at the summit.

Putin to Visit Iran for Gas Forum on November 23 - Presidential Aide

Source: http://defence.pk/threads/putin-to-visit-tehran.408319/#ixzz3rOomDKIz

Tehran, Moscow Proceed With Iran's Fordo Nuclear Facility Reconstruction

Russia and Iran have made progress in rebuilding Iran's Fordo fuel enrichment plant to produce stable isotopes, Russia's atomic energy corporation Rosatom announced on Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the press release, Rosatom's international relations officer Nikolay Spasskiy and deputy head of Russia's environmental, technological, and nuclear oversight service Aleksey Ferapontov met with the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO) Ali Akbar Salehi on November 11-12, Rosatom said. They also met Iran's head of nuclear regulation Naser Rastkhah.

"Questions of implementing a joint comprehensive plan of action was discussed in detail, as provided for by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231. We looked into approaches to restructuring the Fordo site for stable isotope production. Signs of real progress were evident," Rosatom's statement read.

Iran is currently expecting an inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency over its adherence to the P5+1 deal on its nuclear program. Iran's relief from multinational sanctions by the United Nations, the Untied States and the European Union is subject to the inspection's results. Rebuilding the Fordo enrichment facility is stipulated in the agreement with P5+1 group of international mediators on Iran's peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/science/20151113/1030068463/rosatom-nuclear-facility.html#ixzz3rT7Kd4bm