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The U.S. won’t list Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, Secretary of State Antony Blinken explained last week. “Virtually all of the penalties, sanctions, and pressure that could be exerted through that designation, we’re already doing,” he said at a press conference in Washington. Mr. Blinken’s remarks were textbook policy for the Biden administration—issue a statement saying it’s doing everything it can while slow-rolling or outright refusing options such as increased economic sanctions or bolstered military support. This is on full display when it comes to its policy on Russia, which the administration is undermining by doubling down on its failed negotiations with Iran.
Tehran has deepened its friendship with Moscow in recent months, as both governments endure Western isolation and censure. Since his February invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has visited with the Iranians twice—first with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran in July, and then with President Ebrahim Raisi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Uzbekistan last week. At the latter meeting, Mr. Putin announced that a delegation of 80 Russian companies will travel to Iran this week to expand trade ties.
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