Russia has expressed alarm at the escalating Middle East conflict, triggered by Israel’s Operation Rising Lion. While Russian media initially highlighted potential benefits for Moscow, a growing awareness of potential losses is emerging.
Russian political scientist Andrei Kortunov, writing in Kommersant, noted the significant risks and costs for Moscow, emphasizing Russia’s inability to prevent Israel’s strikes on Iran, a nation with which Russia recently signed a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Kortunov highlighted Moscow’s reluctance to provide military aid to Iran, despite the strategic partnership. This agreement, while touted by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as promoting regional security and defense cooperation, does not obligate military intervention on Tehran’s behalf.
The situation presents a significant challenge for Russia. The loss of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, coupled with the prospect of regime change in Iran, threatens to severely diminish Russia’s regional influence. Moskovsky Komsomolets underscored the profound global shifts impacting Russia, directly or indirectly.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin attends the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an event aiming to project an image of Russia’s continued global engagement despite Western sanctions. Although attendance is claimed to be high, the absence of major Western corporations reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The forum, while economically focused, will undoubtedly be overshadowed by the Middle East crisis and the war in Ukraine. Mr. Putin’s statements on these issues will be closely monitored.
The ongoing conflict continues amidst reports of Donald Trump considering involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
BBC Persian’s Kasra Naji highlights public concern in Iran regarding the conflict’s trajectory.
Reports suggest potential US strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities utilizing advanced weaponry.
The conflict has exposed internal divisions within the US Republican party regarding foreign policy.
The BBC’s James Landale emphasizes the US President’s role amid the escalating Middle East crisis.