TEHRAN – By inviting Montenegro to join NATO the West intends to “challenge Moscow in all fronts”, a professor political science at South Alabama University says.

“NATO has chosen to invite Montenegro to send a clear signal to Russia that it intends to continue its eastward expansion and challenge Moscow in all fronts,” Nader Entessar tells the Tehran Times.
However, Entessar says both the West and Russia have so far “been careful not to cross each other's red line”.
Following is the text of the interview:
Q: Do you see an escalation of tension between Russia and NATO in the light of new moves?
A: In the absence of any unanticipated event, I don't think tension between Russia and NATO will escalate in the near future. Both sides have so far been careful not to cross each other's ""red line.""
Q: What would be the reaction of NATO against Russian deployment of S-400 air defense systems in Syria?
A: S-400 air defense system is essentially a defensive system. Therefore, NATO cannot claim that the deployment of the S-400 system would exacerbate military tension in and of itself. S-400 will, however, make it more difficult for NATO to violate the Syrian airspace. As a result, it will react negatively to Russia's deployment of S-400 system in Russia.
Q: Some argue since Turkish politics toward Syria is not in some cases not commensurate with that of NATO, the country’s membership in the military bloc maybe canceled. What is your analysis?

A: Of course, one can conjure up several possible scenarios in this regard, but I think Turkey, or at least certain elements in the Turkish government, acted on their own although Ankara may have had some discussion with NATO ahead of attacking the Russian military airplane.
Q: Why did NATO invite Montenegro into the organization?
A: Montenegro is militarily insignificant. However, NATO has chosen to invite Montenegro to send a clear signal to Russia that it intends to continue its eastward expansion and challenge Moscow in all fronts.
Q: If Montenegro joins NATO, what will be the reaction of Russia?
A: Of course, Moscow will protest loudly, but Russia is not in a position to counter NATO's eastward expansion directly. Russia simply does not have the military muscle it once had to confront NATO directly.
Q: What would be the possible impacts of NATO eastward expansion on Iran’s national security?
A: NATO's eastward expansion is primarily against Russian interests. Any threats to Iran's national security will come as a secondary byproduct of NATO's eastward expansion. NATO has had a fluid policy towards Iran, but its continuing eastward expansion cannot be positive for Iran's national security interests.

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“In the absence of any unanticipated event, I don't think tension between Russia and NATO will escalate in the near future.”