What the Iran Deal Means for Russia

June 3, 2015

Over the last 18 months, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) together with Germany (collectively, the P5+1) have engaged in intensive negotiations with Iran on an accord to limit its nuclear program. On April 2, the two sides announced a framework agreement containing detailed parameters for a final accord to be negotiated over the subsequent 3-months period, with signature expected by June 30, 2015. Under the new accord, Iran would have to adhere to strict limits on its ability to produce plutonium and enrich uranium and accept an intrusive inspection regime for a period of at least 10 years in return for lifting of a range of sanctions imposed upon it by the international community. While several issues remain open, what’s increasingly clear is that, unless the accord ultimately leads to a fundamental transformation in Iran’s relationship with the West, Russia is likely to emerge as a key beneficiary of the process.