These headlines are troubling, but (unfortunately) really don't reflect anything new. Putin reiterated the latent preemptive strike option shortly after George W. Bush made "preemption" the centerpiece of his foreign policy- (Thus the "preemptive", but ultimately faulty invasion of Iraq).

Russia, for God knows why, has always been a strong supporter of Iran, along with France. Perhaps it relates back to the Cold War- and The USSR's glee at the Iraninan American hostage situation under Carter, not to mention the USSR's anger at the US arming our mortal enemies, the Taliban, sorry Mujahadeem as we called them then. Go Rambo! Way to support Al Queda!

Russia and the US have had longstanding mutual missile and nuclear inspections under START and other non-proliferation treaties. People need to realize that the treaty is set to expire very soon, and what we political science majors call CBM's - confidence building measures- will act as a "patch" to keep things stable while a new treaty is worked on.

Finally, I think it's realistic to consider that Putin is looking to solidify his base as he looks to run for Prime Minister again- something term limits prohibited under the Russian constitution.