Iran's relations with the Soviet Union since the revolution in Iran, 1979-1984

Abstract

The primary objective of the sub-ethesis is to assess the development of relations between Iran and the Soviet Union since the revolution in Iran. In early 1979, the Iranian revolution brought an Islamic government into power. The anti-US slogans of the new government and its complete withdrawal from total dependence on the United States, along with the chaotic situation within Iran, made it vulnerable to outside interference. On the other hand, in late 1979, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan posed security problems for Iran. The new government responded cautiously and slowly to this development. Internally, the power struggle among the Islamic fundamentalists, the Islamic moderates and the various leftist groups conditioned the relations between Iran and the Soviet Union as they evolved over the period. A 'reasonable working relationship' developed between the two countries despite the ideological differences...