Russia does as it has alaways done - pursue its own interests. I do not think that Russia is conspiring against Irans nuclear problem, but Russia is not doing much to help it either, indeed it has become clear that Iran has been used by both Russia and the USA as a chip in a bigger game. Like it or not Iran will become a big player on the world stage in the future, with or without nuclear weapons. Iran already has considerable influence in Syria, lebanon, Iraq, and some other countries too. I hope that Russia is not damaging its very long term interests in the region by choosing to side with the USA in the short term.

I would strongly advise mr. lavrov NOT TO VISIT IRAN - learn from history - 19th century Russian ambassador Mr. Griboyedov, was slaughtered on his arrival in Tehran - The Iranians simply chopped Griboyedov's head.off.....

It is much to early to jump to the conclusions. It is very clear that most of the world would like to see a peacefull resolution of the problem. The problem is, in fact, very important to many countries. As the future of energy becomes more questionable --- and the search for energy takes us to ever more difficult environment --- nuclear energy is becoming more important. But NPT and IAEA have huge weaknesses. The Iranian "problem" has illustrated that. While not proliferating, and not diverting it nuclear material (according to IAEA), the issue raised by US and EU is the issue of trust. It is legal under NPT for Iran to master nuclear cycle (i.e., enrich), but what if there is a belief that the country will just continue enriching to weapons grade? How to allow countries to have nuclear energy, while prohibiting the development of nuclear weapons? Is the answer international cooperation and full transparency, or military takeover of the suspect country? The political implications to BRIC are immense. Either it will find a way to create a regime of IAEA monitoring that is solid, or the continued chaos and new hotspots will rise. Global problems destroy economic growth in the long run, and the developing world can suffer more then others if that happens. Sitting on twin problems od global financial crisis and expanding war zones, BRIC need a way to convince the Triumvirate in UN SC that their losses can be more substantial should they pursue the quest for embargoes and war. And this is where murkiness begins. If the outcome is a substantial defusion of focus on Iran, and transfer the focus on IAEA, that would be a victory for common sense. Russia is only doing what it must: take into considerations everyone's legitimate concerns, and try to dispatch the nonessential noise. It is also wisely staying out of the neocon media guns, but working under the surface, not engaged in public debates.

Don`t count on Russia seriously. They just play games, like West does. Russia need West as an economic partner and they wont make them too angry. But in the end West want Russia`s resources, so I don`t know what Russians will do.

Jim have noticed that in this blog and in another on the cirrent North/South Korea crisis, you’ve accused Russia of not “helping.” This is the role asigned to Russia in the new Great Game between the U.S and China: "help" NATO/US Isn’t it? in this new plan, Russia is not expected to "lead," or have its own initiatives or look out for its own economic and geopolitical interests?

Either Russia gets their head out of the bottle, banks what money it cheated the Iranians out of for the low-quality reactors and missile / radar systems, and helps the West TO STOP IRAN NOW, or Russia is going to get an accidental nuclear missile "gift" from Iran. Maybe Putin can use it smoke those fish he is so fond of.

Russia has a treaty to protect Iran I believe in existence from Putin's time. As a person who has lived in Russia and supports Russia's place in this world. I would hope it adheres to the contracts in relation to Iran's defense it has sighed in respect to the S300's inter alia. Russia must understand it has always been the goal of western powers since 1917 to nullify if not destroy Russia and that is America's policy today. If the leadership thinks the USA are friends?, I should remind them of Caesar and the Senators, a knife in the back and that is exactly what Russia will get from the USA if it does not smarten up. Poland and Patriots that's just the beginning. Russia prepare for an attack from America in the not to distant future. You stand in the way, as does China of world domination. Like Caesar watch out for your friends the Senators.

mccusa and joe meric below are either catastrophically misinformed, or retain an agenda. The fact remains that Iran is a vital ally for Russia, as well as for China, in their collective efforts to block Western designs for preventing global multipolarity and for preventing comparable rises for Russia and China to match Western influence. Russia should thus not sell out her ally to the southwest, either in the faulty UN, or anywhere else. If Russia is upset with the Iranian deal for gas with Turkey (and, possibly, for Nabucco), then Russia should understand that Iran wishes for Russia to uphold its promises in Bushehr as well as other issues. Bottom-line: The US/UK/EU/Israel wish for Russia and China to be neutered geopolitically, whereas Iran wishes to work with Russia and China. Lavrov, Medvedev and certainly Putin should remember that vital fact.

What is new Russia has never stood up for it friends. Where is Saddam? Where is is Egypt? While US will never sell out its friends because we American are confident in ourselves Russia is weak and afraid. Warning to Iran never trust Russians they will always cave- in at end.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement that Russia was to follow its own course on the international arena is logical and natural. The real reason of course is not "Iran's reply was unsatisfactory". The Anglo-American agencies are working to raise Russia to a position so that it appears to be an alternative for those who dislike US. Iran already increased her vulnerability by secretly helping Britain-US-NATO to occupy counties on her borders i.e. Afghanistan and Iraq. The current Russian policy may help Iran to turn more attention to Divine power and her revolutionary masses in the south of the cities and in the rural areas.