MOSCOW — The foreign ministers of Russia and Iran are holding talks in Moscow expected to focus on the implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, as well as international efforts to mediate the conflict in Syria. The nuclear deal, which lifts sanctions against Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, has led to a series of diplomatic moves aimed at achieving some sort of breakthrough in Syria. Russia also sees the nuclear deal as clearing the way for delivery of air defense missiles to Iran and for signing new contracts to build nuclear power plants there. At the start of Monday's talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, noted that the deal provides new opportunities for both countries. — AP
