The following is a glimpse of Tehran-Moscow relations in that tumultuous decade, based on Rafsanjani’s diaries from 1986 to 1971. In his own telling at least, Rafsanjani appears to have strained to preserve good relations – and closed the deal despite last-minute obstacles – after a slight on Moscow by ageing then-Supreme Leader Khomeini. In the years that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev’s influence within Russia declined significantly, even as his international reputation remained strong.
Many Russians associated the 1990s with economic hardship, loss of global power, and political instability, and some blamed his reforms for setting those outcomes in motion. As a result, his standing at home was often far less favorable than abroad. Despite this, Gorbachev continued to advocate for dialogue, nuclear disarmament, and cooperation between nations. He maintained relationships with global leaders and participated in international forums, frequently emphasizing the importance of avoiding a return to Cold War–style confrontation.
