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 have taken place within a single week. As the US and Israel intensify their military actions against Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin has positioned himself as a global mediator. This image, however, faces scrutiny given the Kremlin’s prior role in initiating the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At that time, the UN General Assembly had denounced the conflict as a breach of the UN Charter. Despite this, Putin now advocates for a “swift de-escalation and political resolution” of the Iran war, while Russia persists in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Russia maintains a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with Iran, a framework that has seen renewed emphasis this week. Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s “unwavering support” for Tehran, though the alliance does not extend to a formal mutual defense pact. Instead, the Kremlin has offered to facilitate diplomatic talks, leveraging connections with Gulf leaders, Iran’s president, and other global figures. According to the Kremlin, this approach aims to enhance Russia’s influence in the Middle East and strengthen ties with Washington.

Amid the Iran war, Moscow has found economic benefits. A recent surge in global oil prices has significantly bolstered Russian revenues, aiding the continuation of its military campaign in Ukraine. The federal budget relies on oil exports at $59 per barrel, yet prices have risen to nearly $120 in the last week. While they have since dipped, the level remains above the threshold that underpins Russia’s financial stability. Trump’s proposal to ease oil-related sanctions further could provide a substantial windfall, a move Zelensky called a “serious blow” to Kyiv.

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

While the Kremlin refrains from openly criticizing Trump, some Russian media have taken aim at the US leader. The pro-Kremlin Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper noted that “expensive oil is a reason [for the West] to cancel sanctions.” In contrast, the Moskovsky Komsomolets tabloid mocked Putin’s diplomacy, declaring, “The ‘peace president’ has simply lost his mind. The Emperor has no clothes. Or rather, no sanity.”