Even if Teheran accepts Russia's proposal after lengthy negotiations, one should be prepared for Iran to abandon the agreement at the first opportunity. Under the circumstances, Russia should be very careful.

There have always been differences, but from time to time they were put aside for shared values: nuclear disarmament, euphoria over the end of the Cold War, the fight against terrorism, things that pushed everything else into the shadows. But in the periods of thaw, Russia and the U.S. didn't create any stable mechanisms to solve problems.

Iran will not immediately accept any proposal. It is in Iran's interest to buy time.

The Russian government probably figures they will leave the country themselves, because it would be very uncomfortable for them to continue working here if they stayed.

The conflict over Iran gives Russia a chance to emerge as the world's major negotiator with problematic nations.

It was too treacherous. It was unsafe. All the coaches, except one, were in agreement (to stop the meet).