Iran has turned to Russia with a sweeping request for weapons, intelligence, money, and political support at the UN, according to a source involved in recent talks between the two countries. The outreach continued Monday in a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
2+The call followed Putin’s meeting last week with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to the source, Tehran is seeking to expand Moscow’s involvement after failing to advance its goals through other mediators, including Pakistan, Oman and Qatar.
According to the source, in recent talks the Iranians asked the Russians for help on several fronts: weapons supplies, intelligence sharing, economic assistance, and political support in the international arena and at the UN Security Council.
2+Tehran is also asking Moscow to help in negotiations with the United States, the source said. Among other things, the source said, Iran is exploring the possibility that Russia would guarantee a future agreement or take in enriched uranium from Iran on its territory.
Tehran’s Fear: Domestic Protests During War
The source sees the outreach to Russia as a move designed to give Tehran political and security maneuvering room amid mounting pressure. Alongside Russia, Iran is also trying to enlist China’s help to rally support and expand its options.
2+According to the source, Tehran’s main concern isn’t limited to the military dimension. Iran fears that war or a broad escalation could drive citizens into the streets and reignite protests against the regime.
The fear of internal instability explains, according to the same source, the urgency Tehran is attaching to talks with Moscow and its attempt to secure military, economic, and political assistance all at once.