The visit of a high-level delegation from Iran to Moscow was the feature and sole topic on Al Mayadeen’s evening English-language program last night (Nov. 6). The program, “The Grand Standoff”, is a nightly program, featuring commentary by Professor Seyed Marandi. The Schiller Institute’s Harley Schlanger is a frequent guest, and he was invited to provide his analysis to the program.

Both Marandi and Schlanger spoke of the significance of the meeting which took place between Putin and the Iran delegation as part of the global strategic shift. The host of the 50-minute program emphasized the oil/gas partnership involved, locating its importance as a flank against U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. Marandi spoke of this as a crucial intervention by Moscow building a deeper commercial and trade relationship between the two countries, along with Russia weighing in on support for Iran.