RUSSIA’S SPECIAL OPERATION IN UKRAINE: A VIEW FROM TEHRAN

Abstract

Since the first days of the Russia's special operation in Ukraine the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated a benevolently neutral stance. Stressing the unacceptability of military action as a means of solving conflicts, the Iranian side blames the United States and European countries for unleashing war. They provoked Russia by bringing NATO forces closer to its borders, which led to war. Showing a correct understanding of the reasons for the start of the special operation, official Tehran does not recognize the annexation of new territories and Crimea to Russia, emphasizing the inviolability of international borders. Iran categorically denies allegations of its involvement in military actions and stresses the fact that it does not provide direct military assistance to any of the parties to the conflict. The official Iranian stance has significantly intensified Russian-Iranian cooperation and, to some extent, minimized the impact of sanctions imposed on Russia. The use of Iran's economic and transit potential provides an opportunity to create a new export-import route. The prospects for joint industrial productions are being worked out. Trade exchanges are expanding. Iranian reformist and centrist forces condemn Russia's actions, criticize Iranian authorities for deepening military cooperation with Russia as it hinders the continuation of negotiations between the IRI and European countries on the restoration of the JCPOA.