Factors of improvement or deterioration in Russian-Iranian relations at the beginning of the 21st century

The author identifies three periods of positive cooperation between Russia and Iran, resulting in conclusion of agreements for the supply of Russian military equipment, and contracts in industry and commerce. They are the beginning of 1990s, 2006-2009 and from 2012 to the present day. In recent years, Russian-Iranian relations have undergone ups and downs related to the changing international situation. Periods of active dialogue alternated with long pauses, signing multibillion-dollar contracts replaced by reciprocal accusations of reneging on commitments and promises. At the moment, relations between Moscow and Tehran are at the highest point of the cooperation over the past 25 years. Probably, this situation has a long-term trend, but the history of bilateral relations in recent years has shown that the situation can change. The author analyzes the general and specific factors influencing Russian policy toward Iran and Iran policy toward Russia.