German Media: Russia Under the Iran Conflict: "Verbal Support" Amid the Ukraine War

Although Russia and Iran maintain a strategic partnership, Russia has not taken direct military intervention in the current regional conflict. This is due to complex economic interests, as well as the constraints of their respective geopolitical strategies and actual military capabilities. Analysts point out that although both sides have expressed diplomatic dissatisfaction with Israel's and the United States' actions, "watching from the sidelines" is clearly the most beneficial choice for their own interests at this stage.

President Putin of the Kremlin and Iranian President Pezeshkian (Massoud Pezeshkian) signed a so-called "strategic partner agreement" last year, which was hailed as a historic turning point. However, whether it was the summer conflict or the recent military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran, it clearly indicates that although Russia provides some military equipment to Iran, the agreement does not include clauses for military aid, and providing such aid in reality is not feasible.

Russia: "Verbal Support" Under the Ukraine War

Putin's position on the Iran issue is currently very pragmatic. On one hand, he verbally supports Iran to maintain bilateral relations; on the other hand, he strives to avoid damaging Russia's equally important relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In addition, Russia benefits from the rise in oil and gas prices caused by the Iran conflict, which actually enriches its military expenditure for the war in Ukraine. Putin also has a perfect excuse: Russian forces are deeply involved in the invasion war in Ukraine and are unable to provide substantial military support to Iran. It is worth noting that although Iran initially provided suicide drones to Moscow in the Ukraine war, the current situation reversal has made Ukraine more concerned because its Western supporters may shift their attention and focus of weapons from Ukraine to the Middle East, which is exactly what Putin wants.

An analysis from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace states that the weapons provided by Russia have limited impact in the current balance of power, and at best, they are only used to suppress domestic protests or anti-government armed groups. Moscow currently mainly provides Iran with S-300 air defense systems, as well as ORSIS T-5000 sniper rifles and "Spartak" armored vehicles.

At the same time, the project of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) to build a second reactor in Bushehr, Iran, has put Russia in a passive position. The company's head Likhachev warned that attacks on nuclear facilities could lead to a radiation disaster, and Putin must use his communication channels with U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure the safety of Russian personnel in Iran.

Source: DW

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859110017607680/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.