YEREVAN. – The United States have a long-term goal to strengthen  Iran’s positions in the region, expert on Iranian studies Vardan Voskanyan told reporters.

He is convinced that Washington is carrying “carrot and sticks policy” on Iran. The White House makes complements to Iran, while the Congress on the other hand is threatening with additional sanctions. However, Voskanyan believes regardless of anything, Iran will become a regional leader.

The expert said in order to strengthen its positions in talks with the West, Iran is trying to reach new level of relations with Russia. He recalled that Iranian PM had already held talks with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov and is expected to meet with Vladimir Putin.

Voskanyan noted that Russia is trying to involve Iran in talks on Syria.