Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles at Iran’s Supreme Leader, November 1, 2017


In a 25-minute discussion on Times Radio, Dr. Tallha Abdulrazaq and I analyze how Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has fostered an “Axis of Weakness” between Russia and Iran.

We evaluate developing Russian-Iranian military ties, including Moscow’s increasing dependence on Iran-supplied attack drones — and maybe ballistic missiles- and the possible Russian delivery of air defense systems, helicopters, and jet fighters to the Islamic Republic.

But we explain how those ties point to isolation and growing problems for both regimes. Under international sanctions and losing on the battlefield, the Kremlin’s major backers are Iran and North Korea.

And Iran’s Supreme Leader, venting his fury at the US and its partners, is facing an economic crisis and nationwide protests challenging the legitimacy of his rule.

Russia and Iran’s “Pact of Isolation”

Amid Ukraine Invasion, “Unprecedented Level” of Russia-Iran Military Cooperation — US and UK Officials