As the New York Times reports, Iran has ignored Russia's alleged pleas to avoid developing nuclear weapons.

Russia claimed it was OK for it to help Iran develop nuclear energy because it would use its influence to dissuade Iran from developing weapons. Now, it is clear that either Russia lied brazenly about its intent to control Iran's nukes or it grossly overestimated its ability to do so.

In either case, Russia is driving yet another nail into its Cold War coffin. Russia is engaging in wanton provocation of the United States, of a kind Russia would never tolerate in regard to someplace like Chechnya, and Russia will pay dearly for this arrogance and ignorance.