Ties with Tehran offer some regional governments a means of staking an independent position on Iran, thereby mitigating its isolation while also attempting to extract Iranian financial aid and investment for economic and social projects.
Clapper explains why some governments engage with Iran for financial aid.
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It's inconceivable to me that the Russian intelligence services aren't aware of this, and that Putin has certainly at least acquiesced if not directed -- directing it.
I think Putin's mind is made up. And he might improvise as he goes he I think he would do he would do that anyway.
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