Putin’s Choice of Medvedev for Tehran Visit Raises Stakes in Global Power Politics

A high-level Russian delegation led by Dmitry Medvedev traveling to Tehran for mourning ceremonies serves both as a gesture of respect toward Iran and as a warning directed at Washington. Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev will represent Russia at the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran as a special envoy of the Russian president. Within the diplomatic hierarchy, a visit by a former head of state and current deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council carries significantly greater weight than a visit by a foreign minister and appears more consequential than a parliamentary speaker's trip. The status of special envoy indicates that Medvedev stands among those closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin and enjoys his complete trust. His appointment therefore represents a major enhancement of his political standing.