Analyst: Russia tries to take Iran’s foreign policy hostage by dragging it into Ukraine war

Speaking to Shafaqna, Hossein Alaei, the founder and first commander of the Navy of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), said Iran needs to benefit from the opportunity created by the Russian war to secure an agreement for exports of oil and gas to Europe in the absence of Moscow from the market.

“Currently, Iran’s main issues are securing a removal of all sanctions, making efforts to enter the global market and de-escalating with America and Europe in order to satisfy the people,” he said.

Therefore, he added, the best policy that Iran can pursue vis-à-vis the Ukraine war is to remain neutral, make plans for a resolution of differences with the US and Europe, and strive to start energy sales in the global market, particularly the Western countries.

The commentator added that Russia intentionally publicized Iran’s drone sales to the country with the aim of getting Tehran involved in the conflict.

Moscow, he said, wanted Iran involved in the war for several reasons, including getting the West to impose more sanctions on Iran, getting rid of the nuclear agreement, taking Iran’s foreign policy hostage, and dealing a blow to the country’s independent position.