• Commentary
  • Research
  • Experts
  • Events
Carnegie China logoCarnegie lettermark logo
{
  "authors": [
    "James F. Collins",
    "Dimitri Simes"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center"
  ],
  "collections": [],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "russia",
  "programs": [
    "Russia and Eurasia"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "North America",
    "United States",
    "Middle East",
    "Iran",
    "South Asia",
    "Afghanistan",
    "Caucasus",
    "Russia"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Security",
    "Foreign Policy",
    "Nuclear Policy"
  ]
}
REQUIRED IMAGE

REQUIRED IMAGE

In The Media

Worldwise: Russian Relations

Russia and the United States are not likely to come to agreement on the best way to approach Iran’s nuclear ambitions any time soon. This issue is likely to be at the top of Secretary Clinton’s agenda during her time in Moscow.

Link Copied
By James F. Collins and Dimitri Simes
Published on Oct 12, 2009

Source: Bloggingheads.tv

When Secretary Clinton arrives in Moscow on October 13 to speak with President Medvedev and Foreign Minister Lavrov, her priorities will include addressing the situation in Afghanistan, strategic arms reductions, missile defense, nonproliferation and strengthening U.S.-Russian relations. One of her most important concerns, however, will engaging her Russian counterparts in a discussion of Iran and possible sanctions against it.

Ambassador Collins states that, "I think we still have a great deal of ground to cover before we’re going to be of one mind on Iran and how to approach it.  But I do think that the meeting in Geneva recently and the apparent opening to have better inspections of Iranian facilities may also provide some basis for Washington and Moscow to look at this, to find a way to agree on at least some next steps, where they can say if nothing else, we all have to ensure that Iran is abiding by its commitments.  I would hope that at a minimum we’ll see some work on that score.  But we have a long way to go before we’re going to see the American and Russian sides agree on sanctions: I think it’s a tough issue.”

About the Authors

James F. Collins

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program; Diplomat in Residence

Ambassador Collins was the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation from 1997 to 2001 and is an expert on the former Soviet Union, its successor states, and the Middle East.

Dimitri Simes

Dimitri Simes is President of the Center for the National Interest.

Authors

James F. Collins
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Program; Diplomat in Residence
James F. Collins
Dimitri Simes

Dimitri Simes is President of the Center for the National Interest.

SecurityForeign PolicyNuclear PolicyNorth AmericaUnited StatesMiddle EastIranSouth AsiaAfghanistanCaucasusRussia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie China

  • Commentary
    Malaysia’s Year as ASEAN Chair: Managing Disorder

    Malaysia’s chairmanship sought to fend off short-term challenges while laying the groundwork for minimizing ASEAN’s longer-term exposure to external stresses.

      Elina Noor

  • Commentary
    When It Comes to Superpower Geopolitics, Malaysia Is Staunchly Nonpartisan

    For Malaysia, the conjunction that works is “and” not “or” when it comes to the United States and China.

      Elina Noor

  • Commentary
    Neither Comrade nor Ally: Decoding Vietnam’s First Army Drill with China

    In July 2025, Vietnam and China held their first joint army drill, a modest but symbolic move reflecting Hanoi’s strategic hedging amid U.S.–China rivalry.

      • Nguyen-khac-giang

      Nguyễn Khắc Giang

  • Commentary
    Today’s Rare Earths Conflict Echoes the 1973 Oil Crisis — But It’s Not the Same

    Regulation, not embargo, allows Beijing to shape how other countries and firms adapt to its terms.

      Alvin Camba

  • Commentary
    China’s Mediation Offer in the Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute Sheds Light on Beijing’s Security Role in Southeast Asia

    The Thai-Cambodian conflict highlights the limits to China's peacemaker ambition and the significance of this role on Southeast Asia’s balance of power.

      Pongphisoot (Paul) Busbarat

Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie China
Carnegie China logo, white
  • Research
  • About
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie China
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.