Russia Eases Nuclear Export Ban On Iran

President Vladimir Putin has eased an export ban on nuclear equipment and technology to Iran, a Kremlin decree published on Monday showed, according to Reuters. Khamenei commended Russia’s work on the Iran nuclear accord, and vowed not to negotiate with the US again.

Putin, on his first visit to Iran since 2007, presented an old edition of the Koran, the Muslim holy book, to Khamenei, the Iranian leader’s website said, publishing photos of the book.

The countries that oppose Assad, led by the United States, have said the Syrian leader’s actions against his own people, including the barrel-bombing of civilians, mean he had lost all legitimacy and should leave office. The two countries are backing Assad in a war that has killed more than a quarter of a million people and allowed jihadist groups including Islamic State to spread their influence. “Khamenei hit out at the US” perceived hegemonic ambitions in the Middle East and underlined that Iran and Russian Federation have a congruence of interests in countering the US’ regional strategies. Russian Federation now has an air base near Latakia, Syria, and has staked its military honor on defending the Assad regime.

This shared goal has seen Iran send commanders from its elite Revolutionary Guards to support and advise Assad’s forces, with Tehran coordinating a collection of Shiite militias on the ground. It was first used by the Soviet Union in 1979 but has been modified and updated over the years.

Russia, which has built Iran’s only functioning nuclear reactor in the southern city of Bushehr, signed an agreement with Iran a year ago to establish as many as eight more.

On the economy, Russian Federation and Iran are looking at business deals once sanctions are lifted under the July 14 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, including Moscow.

Putin’s visit was planned before the UN Security Council on Friday authorized countries to “take all necessary measures” to fight IS in a France-sponsored resolution one week after the Paris attacks.

Since the deal’s announcement, however, Russian Federation has wasted no time in re-energizing relations, declaring immediately that it would unfreeze a contract to supply Iran with advanced anti-aircraft missiles, which the United States fears could prevent a military strike against Iran’s nuclear sites.

Russian Federation and Iran both have bristled at demands for Assad to step down, saying his future must be decided by the Syrians as part of the peace process.

Moscow has announced opening a $5 billion credit line for Iran and help for Tehran’s struggling banking sector is also expected.

GECF members account for 42 percent of global gas output, 70 percent of global gas reserve, 40 percent of piped gas transfer, and 65 percent of global trade of Liquefied Natural Gas.

Putin and Khamenei utilized the meeting on Monday to hammer home that they cherish the mutual trust between their two countries and intend to preserve it no matter what it takes.