Steve Rosenberg: Russia seeks diplomatic and economic gains from Iran war
Steve Rosenberg: Russia seeks diplomatic and economic gains from Iran war
In just one week, two diplomatic calls have taken place between the leaders of Russia and Iran. As the US and Israel intensify their attacks on Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin is positioning himself as a global mediator. Yet, this image is difficult to maintain given the Kremlin’s role in launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At that time, the UN General Assembly had denounced the action as a breach of the UN Charter. Now, Putin advocates for a rapid diplomatic resolution of the Iran conflict, while continuing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Russia maintains a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with Iran, but this agreement does not guarantee mutual defense. Earlier this week, Putin reiterated Moscow’s “unwavering support” for Tehran. However, the partnership lacks the depth of a formal alliance. Instead, Russia offers mediation, leveraging its relationships with Gulf leaders and other nations to strengthen its influence in the Middle East.
During a Monday call with former US President Donald Trump, according to the Kremlin, Putin emphasized efforts to resolve the Iran conflict through dialogue. This outreach aims to enhance Russia’s standing in the Gulf and solidify ties with Washington. The Kremlin sees collaboration with the Trump administration as advantageous for its operations in Ukraine. That’s why Putin has avoided public criticism of Trump over the Iran war.
“Putin wants to be helpful,” Trump remarked after the call. “I said, ‘You could be more helpful by getting the Ukraine-Russia war over with. That would be more helpful.’”
While Russia promotes de-escalation in the Iran conflict, the situation offers other advantages. The recent spike in global oil prices has significantly bolstered Russian government revenues. With crude oil reaching nearly $120 a barrel this week, and remaining above the $59 threshold that underpins the federal budget, Moscow benefits from sustained high energy prices. Trump’s suggestion to ease oil-related sanctions on certain countries further hints at potential financial gains for Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky views such moves as a “serious blow” to Kyiv, urging Trump to resist. Meanwhile, the pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda remains optimistic, declaring that “expensive oil is a reason [for the West] to cancel sanctions.”
Some Russian media, however, have grown critical. Tuesday’s edition of the tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets mocked Putin’s efforts, stating, “The ‘peace president’ has simply lost his mind. The Emperor has no clothes. Or rather, no sanity.”
