I wish I knew. Undoubtedly Putin was happy to increase his regional hegemony by being seen as a bulwark against American militarism, but it may be that Iran has gone too far. Perhaps he coming to his senses. With Putin taking a step back, and France in the camp of the west for a change, Iran may be running out of diplomatic cover. They’ve still got the amoral Chinese to possibly provide them with cover, but they're loathe to do anything that will upset their big self-aggrandizing Olympics next summer. It seems logical that Iran, becoming more isolated, will go for broke - trying to reach full nuclear capability before the West can get its act together. I fear we’re in the long slide toward something very ugly.
Americanophile, thanks for your comment. Israel is saying that Iran has passed the point of no return. They have all they need to build a bomb. Condi delayed the attack on Syria for 2 1/2 months. The Israelis are not going to risk Iran becoming a nuclear power. They will attack and this they've bought bunker buster bombs from the US. The Air Force is currently seeking funding for a new bunker buster, rated at 13 1/2 tons of high explosives. Unless Iran backs down on nukes, it's war baby.
Man, I can't believe this thread only got one comment. We have a top secret meeting between Putin and Khamenei. Iran could be the target of a bombing campaign and regime change. The Iranians are threatening:
1. To "wipe Israel off the map". Israel is has around 300 nukes.
2. To close the Straits of Hormuz and shut down the Persian Gulf, thru with, what 60% of the world's oil flows.
3. Launch 11,000 rockets during the first hour of an attack.
4. Release it's terrorists on the rest of the world in case of an attack.
And I don't think I've covered all the threats.
Hmmm, maybe the post and the linked article were so good, no one hand the need to comment.