PHOTO: Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan (right) with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu on Thursday
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In a notable display amid both nuclear talks and crises in the Middle East, Iran’s Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan said in Moscow on Thursday that Tehran and Russia must stand together against the US.
Dehghan declared that it was necessary to establish “a united front against the expansionist policies of the US and its allies”. He asserted, “We support Russia’s correct understanding at the strategic level that the US government cannot be a reliable friend and partner.”
The press conference came three days after Russia suddenly lifted the suspension, maintained since 2010, on the delivery of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu was more cautious in his remarks, saying expanded ties and constructive relations between Tehran and Moscow can play an important role in securing regional and global stability. He suggested a summit between Russia, Iran, and China in the near-future to address matters of global and regional concern.
Tehran is also hoping that recent developments will prompt Russian support for Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Iran has long sought an upgrade of its observer status at the grouping of Asian states.
Meanwhile, the European Union confirmed that the next round of nuclear talks between Iran and the 5+1 Powers — including Russia — will be held in Vienna on Wednesday. The EU’s deputy foreign policy head, Helga Schmid, will meet Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Iran and the 5+1 (US, Britain, China, Russia, France, and Germany) reached a framework agreement on April 2, with a view to a comprehensive settlement by a June 30 deadline.
Teachers, Laid-Off Workers Protest Over Pay and Conditions
More than 1,000 teachers gathered in front of the Education Ministry and more than 300 in front of Parliament on Thursday to protest over pay and working conditions.
Iran’s teachers have carried out a series of demonstration this year, calling for a wage increase to make their pay commensurate with that of other public employees.
In another sign of labor unrest, more than 100 laid-off workers are in the third day of their sit-in protest in front of the Labor Ministry.
The workers were dismissed from the Farsit Factory in Dorood in Lorestan Province in western Iran. They began gathering in front of the Ministry on Monday.
Last month, the factory announced that it would be able to turn a profit with its remaining 260 workers; however, it now says it plans to close down.
The majority of dismissed workers had been at the factory for 13 to 20 years. They are demanding that the factory reopen or that they receive adequate severance payments.
