I have received a couple of very insightful messages from two readers — one is a convert to Islam and the other is a scholar, currently living in Asia. Both wrote to challenge my view that Iran rejected a mutual defense pact with Russia because moderates in Iran still hoped to curry favor with the US. After reading their thoughtful, detailed explanations, I think they present a perspective worth considering.Since the establishment of Iran’s Islamic Republic in 1979, Iran has not invaded another country. However, Iran was invaded by Iraq with the full encouragement and support of the United States. What most Americans do not know is that Israel was helping Iran fight Iraq. Israel began supplying weapons to Iran in early 1980, shortly after the outbreak of the Iran–Iraq War. The first documented sale was of tires for the F-4 Phantom fighter jet, which occurred after Iran, unable to secure military equipment from the United States, reached out to Israel through back channels.
