Steve Rosenberg: Russia seeks diplomatic and economic gains from Iran war
Steve Rosenberg: Russia seeks diplomatic and economic gains from Iran war
Strategic Ties and Mediation Efforts
Over the past week, two phone calls have taken place between the leaders of Russia and Iran. Amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin has positioned himself as a global peacemaker. However, this narrative faces scrutiny, given the Kremlin’s role in initiating the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which the UN General Assembly had previously denounced as a breach of the UN Charter.
Russia maintains a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with Iran, a relationship Putin has reinforced by pledging “unwavering support” for Tehran. While this alliance does not include a mutual defense pact, Moscow has offered to act as a mediator in the conflict. In a Monday call with former US President Donald Trump, Putin emphasized the need for a “swift diplomatic resolution,” citing engagements with Gulf leaders, Iran’s president, and other international figures.
Economic Motivations
Putin’s diplomatic outreach serves a dual purpose. It enhances Russia’s standing in the Middle East and positions the country as a key influencer. Simultaneously, the Iran conflict offers economic advantages. Recent oil price surges, which have pushed crude to nearly $120 per barrel, are boosting Russian government revenues. Despite a period of lower prices, the current level remains well above the $59 benchmark that underpins the federal budget.
Trump has hinted at waiving oil-related sanctions on certain nations to address supply shortages caused by the Iran war. If sanctions are relaxed for Russia, the financial benefits could be even more substantial. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that such a move would be a “serious blow” to Kyiv, highlighting the tension between Moscow’s economic interests and the war effort in Ukraine.
Criticism Amid Diplomatic Maneuvering
While the Kremlin refrains from publicly criticizing Trump, some Russian media have been vocal in their discontent. The pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda recently expressed optimism, stating, “Expensive oil is a reason [for the West] to cancel sanctions.” Yet, another tabloid, Moskovsky Komsomolets, took a harsher tone, declaring, “The ‘peace president’ has simply lost his mind. The Emperor has no clothes. Or rather, no sanity.”
Despite these internal critiques, Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, leveraging the Iran conflict to secure both diplomatic leverage and financial gains. The Kremlin’s careful balancing act underscores its broader strategy to maintain influence across global arenas.