Iran-Russia Relations during the Safavid Period (1080-1100 AH)

There is a host of various signs that distinguish the two decades of 1080- 1100 during the Safavid period. Among the various signs mentioned, one is the adoption of a logical and prudent foreign policy on the part of the theninterim government. Expanding political and economic relations with Russia, as part of a greater plan for détente with Northern and Western neighbors, was one of the peculiarities of this period among other things. This approach facilitated the balanced economic relations with other powers and prompted economic prosperity in Iran. The Iranian state adopted a rational approach to foreign relations in this period and resisted the Russian push for invading the Ottomans; since it considered a strong Russia more menacing than the Ottomans. On the other hand, Iran’s chancellor (Wazir) sought to clearly explain the reasons for rejecting Russian’s suggestion for amilitary alliance with Iran against the Ottomans in an attempt to appease the northern neighbor. Iran’s relative agreement with Russia’s trade strategy secured the boundaries to the north as well as attaining numerous political and economic gains. This article is of a fundamental and theoretical nature which draws on library sources to gather and analyze data, and predicates upon content analysis and descriptive-analytical methodology.