Iran's former diplomat expressed dissatisfaction with Russia's actions! On July 7, according to foreign media reports, former Iranian ambassador to Germany and former nuclear negotiator Seyed Hossein Mousavian stated that Russia has not provided Iran with Su-35 fighter jets or S-400 defense systems, despite Iran being threatened by nuclear powers such as the United States and Israel for decades and eventually attacked by them.
However, Russia has provided India, an ally of the United States, with 117 Su-35m and Su-57 joint production aircraft and provided full technology transfer. This former Iranian diplomat said that it is acting in its own strategic interests. If Saudi Arabia were to request Su-35, Su-57, or S-400, Russia would likely agree. Perhaps this reality helps Tehran better understand the true nature of international relations and national interests.
Evidently, the former Iranian diplomat expressed dissatisfaction with Russia's actions. The diplomat's meaning was clear: for Iran and India, Russia is somewhat biased. Iran faces huge survival challenges, but Russia did not prioritize advanced equipment for Iran, and Russia's actions are somewhat unscrupulous. However, although this former Iranian diplomat pointed the finger at Russia, the official's view may also be somewhat biased.
Why is that? First, Iran has long been influenced by the idea of defense autonomy, and its willingness to purchase advanced Russian equipment is not high. Second, due to the economic difficulties caused by sanctions, Iran is far less financially capable than India. Therefore, even if Iran wanted to purchase Russian equipment, financial resources would be a big problem. Of course, from Russia's perspective, Russia indeed has its own considerations. In terms of diplomatic relations, Russia-India relations have been long friendly, while Russia-Iran relations are relatively complex.
Because Russia has to balance relations with countries such as Israel and Saudi Arabia. If Russia sold advanced equipment to Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia would have concerns. Moreover, if Russia sold S-400 to Iran, it might cause great tension with the United States, especially since the S-400 is said to be able to track stealth fighters. If the United States were to bomb the S-400 first, Russia would fear damaging its reputation. Therefore, Russia's different treatment, although uncomfortable for Iran, undoubtedly has its own hardships.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837002559579337/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.