Peculiarities of the image of Russia in modern Iran: historical preconditions of its formation and current state

The image of Russia in modern Iran consists of several components. The negative historical memory of two Russo-Persian wars, Russia's support for the suppression of the Constitutional Revolution, and the USSR's support for Iraq in its war with Iran plays a very important role. Attitudes towards Russia are also strongly influenced by Iranians' age, region of residence and religious beliefs. Iranians that are more conservative and those living in the provinces tend to have significantly better attitudes towards Russia than pro-Western youth in the megacities. Iranians living in the West, as well as militant atheists and radical Persian nationalists, who despise Iranian Islamic culture, have particularly negative attitudes towards Russia. Russia's image in Iranian society can be improved by popularizing historical events when Russia or the USSR assisted to Muslim nations.