SOVIET-IRANIAN RELATIONS SINCE THE ISLAMIC REVOLUTION

This comprehensive analysis examines the evolution of Soviet-Iranian relations since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, analyzing the complex dynamics between Moscow and Tehran during a period of significant regional transformation. The article explores the historical context of Soviet-Iranian relations, from the Tsarist period through the Pahlavi era to the post-revolutionary situation. The research investigates Soviet policy toward the Iranian revolution, analyzing Moscow's initial responses, strategic calculations, and evolving approach to the new Islamic government. The study examines Iranian perspectives on relations with the Soviet Union, assessing how revolutionary ideology, national interests, and regional considerations shape Tehran's policy toward Moscow. The article analyzes key issues in bilateral relations, including the Iran-Iraq war, Afghanistan conflict, economic cooperation, and ideological differences. The research also evaluates the impact of international factors, including U.S. policy, regional dynamics, and global energy markets, on Soviet-Iranian relations. Furthermore, the analysis assesses future prospects for this important bilateral relationship.

Soviet-Iranian relations represented one of the most complex bilateral relationships in the Middle East during the 1980s, with this article providing a comprehensive examination of their evolution since the Islamic Revolution from the perspective of 1985. The research begins by examining the historical context of Russian-Iranian relations, tracing the legacy of imperial competition, twentieth-century interactions, and the specific dynamics of the Cold War period. The analysis explores Soviet policy toward the Iranian revolution, examining Moscow's initial optimism about anti-American movements, subsequent concerns about Islamic fundamentalism, and pragmatic adaptation to the new revolutionary reality. The article investigates Iranian perspectives on relations with the Soviet Union, analyzing how revolutionary ideology, historical suspicions, and contemporary strategic considerations shape Tehran's approach to Moscow. The study examines key issues in bilateral relations, including Soviet stance on the Iran-Iraq war, Iranian position on the Afghanistan conflict, economic cooperation in energy and infrastructure, and ideological tensions between communism and political Islam. The research evaluates the impact of international factors on the relationship, assessing how U.S. policy, regional Arab politics, and global strategic considerations influence Moscow-Tehran interactions. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article analyzes the complex mix of cooperation and competition that characterizes Soviet-Iranian relations and identifies the factors that will determine the future trajectory of this important bilateral relationship. The findings provide valuable insights into how major powers relate to revolutionary states and contribute to understanding the complex interplay of ideology, interest, and strategy in international relations.