Episode Notes:

In recent weeks, a number of developments have highlighted the growing extent of Russian-Iranian ties. On November 25, Ukrainian officials announced that Iranian military advisers had been killed in Crimea.

Last week, at a scientific conference in Moscow, Russian and Iranian representatives discussed further steps the two countries could take to cooperate against Western sanctions. Joining us to discuss all this is Sam Bendett. Sam is an Adviser with CNA Strategy, Policy, Plans and Programs Center (SP3), where he is a member of the Russia Studies Program. He is also an Adjunct SeniorFellow at the Center for a New American Security.

[:59] Iranian drones

[3:04] Broader state of Russia-Iran relations

[6:36] Swedish spies

[8:15] Anti-Western alignment