Russia to Defend Iran

After the assassination of a scientist in Tehran, Iran was quick to point blame at Israel and the United States. Now, they claim to have proof that the American CIA and British MI6 were directly involved. The US has denied any role and Britain condemned the killing of any civilians, whilst Israel said they weren't directly inolved. Gen. Masoud Jazayeri, spokesman for Iran’s military, was quoted by one of the Iranian state news channels, ISNA, as saying that Tehran was “reviewing the punishment” of “behind-the-scene elements” involved in the assassination. An obvious message that Iran is planning to retaliate.

United States Navy and Coast Guard forces have saved Iranian sailors twice in recent weeks. The Iranian response was to accuse the US of staging the first rescue, and then completely ignored the second. And now they harass US ships in a continued thank you. This does nothing to help ease tensions that are at all time highs due to the assassination of the scientist and Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz over promised sanctions, due to Iran's continued nuclear program. President Ahmadinejad stated once again that sanctions will not have any effect on the program, and that any military intervention will be dealt with firmly.

Russia not content to only state that they will back the Syrian government against it's opposition, have now decided to stand with Iran as well. The Russian government has stated that, "Any attack on Tehran is an attack on Moscow". This complicates any decision by the US and her allies, or the UN for that matter, to enforce the end of Iran's nuclear program. Russia's bringing in of naval forces to the area, has been countered by the French and British navies. China, and now Japan, have spoken out against further sanctions as well, but unlike Russia have not stated they will defend Iran with their own military forces.

Turkey on the other hand has publicly joined the US side of the argument, as a radar station has been made operational in Turkey. The base is manned by Turkish and US forces. Iran has issued a protest against US involvement in the area.