Steve Rosenberg: Russia seeks diplomatic and economic gains from Iran war

Steve Rosenberg: Russia seeks diplomatic and economic gains from Iran war

Two calls between Russian and Iranian leaders in just a single week have highlighted Moscow’s growing interest in the Middle East conflict. As the US and Israel escalate attacks on Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin has positioned himself as a global mediator. However, this image is complicated by his role in ordering Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which the UN General Assembly called a Charter violation. Despite this, Putin recently emphasized his desire for a quick diplomatic resolution, citing talks with Gulf leaders and Tehran’s officials.

Russia maintains a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with Iran, though this agreement lacks mutual defense commitments. During a Monday exchange with Donald Trump, Putin expressed support for resolving the Iran conflict through dialogue, according to Kremlin statements. This strategy serves dual purposes: enhancing Russia’s influence in the region and strengthening ties with Washington. The Kremlin sees Trump as a potential ally, as his policies could indirectly benefit Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

“Putin wants to be helpful,” Trump stated after their call. “I said, ‘You could be more helpful by getting the Ukraine-Russia war over with. That would be more helpful.'”

While advocating for calm in the Iran war, Russia also capitalizes on economic opportunities. Recent oil price surges, which have lifted crude to nearly $120 per barrel, are providing significant revenue for Moscow. The federal budget relies on oil exports at $59 per barrel, and the current spike supports continued funding for the conflict. Trump’s suggestion to waive sanctions on certain countries has further raised hopes for Russia’s financial gains, though Ukraine’s Zelensky called this a “serious blow” to his nation.

Pro-Kremlin media have echoed the economic optimism. The newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda noted that “expensive oil is a reason [for the West] to cancel sanctions,” framing the situation as a win for Moscow. Meanwhile, other outlets have been more critical, with Moskovsky Komsomolets declaring that the “peace president has simply lost his mind” and comparing him to a ruler “without sanity.”