Iran's gamble with Russia

Tehran's policy on the Chechen conflict seems to have taken an abrupt turn. In a stratagem to blackmail Russia into supplying nuclear technology to the Islamic regime, Iran has begun to train Chechen rebels in advanced terror techniques.

British press reported in November that 'Western Intelligence reports' specified locations, techniques, and ideological/political training of the Chechens. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards were implicated as the main force in training. Iran's scheme will most likely falter since Putin's government has taken hardline approaches
to the Chechnya issue. Tehran's control over Hizbollah cannot be replicated with the Chechen rebels, as logistical challenges and recent commitment of Russia in Operation Active Endeavour would be too difficult to maintain support and control of any Iranian sponsored terror cells.

As a main defense systems and nuclear technology supplier to Iran, Russia will obviously take into consideration this turn in policy as a warning sign for future nuclear negotiations. Chechen and Iranian news agencies have denied allegations.