August 09, 2019
Russia and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding intended to expand military cooperation between the two countries. An MOU is not legally binding and does not obligate either country to do anything. The signing was viewed as mainly a political gesture. The only manifestation of activity was an announcement of joint naval maneuvers. News reports said they would be held in the Persian Gulf. That prompted an uproar, as the Islamic Republic daily tells foreign navies to stay out of the Persian Gulf. But the actual announcement said the maneuvers would take place in the Arabian Sea, outside the Strait of Hormuz.