Shadow Play in the Caspian: What's Behind Iran's Last Minute Strike Cancellation?
The news that Iran had planned to retaliate against Ukraine by striking three sites but ultimately backed down after Kyiv apologized for an attack on a vessel carrying military cargo between Iran and Russia has left many puzzled.
On its face, the story appears to be a textbook example of diplomatic posturing, but scratch beneath the surface, and a more complex web of interests emerges.