In the past year we have witnessed an unusual rapprochement between Iran and Russia. Although the two countries have a long history of ties, they have upgraded relations since the signing of the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers. Moscow and Tehran have signed a series of agreements, from the building of a new nuclear reactor, continuation of the construction of the reactor in Bushehr, and the supply of S-300 surface-to-air missiles — something Russia refrained from doing for years, due in part to Israeli and American pressure. Now there are also discussions about Russia supplying Iran with advanced fighter planes.

Of late there has also been military and intelligence cooperation, designed to protect the rule of Syrian President Bashar Assad. This culminated in Russian fighter planes using Iran’s Shahid Nojeh air base in order to attack Syria. This was the first time that Russia used a base outside its territory to attack a third country — and the first time that Iran has permitted a foreign country to use its air bases.

Although the agreement has been temporarily suspended due to domestic criticism in Iran, an announcement noted that the accord will be renewed as necessary.

Read the full article at Haaretz.