The story: As tensions along the Russia-Ukraine border continue, some Iranian commentators believe a potential conflict between the two nations could help efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The argument is that the US, which has deployed troops to Eastern Europe, could be more willing to offer concessions to Iran at the negotiating table in order to reduce the issues to contend with.

The coverage: Amid growing concerns in the west that Russia plans to invade Ukraine, some in Iran believe such a war may compel western states to fast-track negotiations in Vienna to salvage the nuclear deal—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)...