Due to the rise in tensions between Iran and Israel and the potential risk of conflict, European and especially Anglo-Saxon media began to make speculative news about Russia’s role in this crisis. For example, in an article published in Business Insider on April 15, 2024,[1] it was claimed that Iran’s air attack on Israel was based on Russian tactics in Ukraine. In the article titled “Russian Weapons Help Iran Strengthen Its Defense Against Israeli Air Attack” published in The Washington Post on the same day,[2] attention was drawn to Moscow’s role in the country’s creation of a strong military capacity in the Middle East. In addition, the article emphasized that Iran supplies Russia with military ammunition that can help in the war in Ukraine and that bilateral military partnerships are developing.
From the Western perspective; Moscow has the potential-opportunity to take advantage of this new chaos in the Middle East and divert the West’s attention and resources from Ukraine. However, if the conflict between Israel-Hamas and Iran turns into a wider war in the long run, Russia may get harm of a situation.[3] That is why Russia called on all parties to “show restraint” after Iran’s retaliation against Israel.[4] Expressing its concern about the latest dangerous escalation in the region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “We trust the regional states to solve the current problems through political and diplomatic means.” he said.[5]
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hussein Emir Abdullahian. Before Iran’s retaliation, the Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned Israel’s attack in Syria, which caused the death of Iranian generals. In addition, Russia had previously expressed its discomfort with Israel’s insistence on continuing its war in Gaza. To date, Moscow has tried to maintain balanced and positive relations with all powers in the Middle East, including Israel. However, the conflicts in Gaza damaged Russia’s ties with Israel and caused Moscow to focus on its ties with Iran.
Due to the increasing risk of war in the region, Russia is increasing its own security measures while sending messages to calm the parties. Following the recent tension between Iran and Israel, Russia’s shifting of its supersonic missile warship to the Middle East also attracted attention. In this context, Russia has sent the naval frigate named Marshal Shaposhnikov, armed with Kinzhal supersonic missiles, to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal just a few hours after Iran retaliated against Israel.[6]
The US’s continued support for Israel is undoubtedly effective in Russia taking such measures. As a matter of fact, US President Joe Biden used the following statements in his statement following the recent events:[7]
“Our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is firm. I say it again, I say it strictly. We will do our best to protect Israel’s security.”
US support for Israel deepens regional polarization and brings about Russia’s rapprochement with Iran. Because both Russia and Iran are very uncomfortable with the pro-Israeli attitude of the USA, especially in the UN Security Council. These two countries see the US’s stance on the issue as the reason why the Palestine-Israel issue is still unresolved. Unless the conflicts in Gaza end, the tension between Israel and Iran will not calm down. Therefore, Russia understands very well the reasons for Iran’s retaliation against Israel. In his telephone conversation with Iranian President Ibrahim Reisi on April 16, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave messages aimed at calming the tension. Reisi emphasized that such retaliation was mandatory and limited and that they were not in favor of prolonging the tension. During the meeting, the two leaders stated that the lack of a solution to the Palestine-Israel issue caused the events in the Middle East.
While Russia understands Iran’s reasons very well, it also stays away from taking an open front against Israel. However, Western media claims that the actions of Russia, Iran and China overlap and that these countries form a united front. Such discourses of the West actually increase polarization in the world. However, it can be said that the intention of these countries is not to create a real alternative to the West, but rather to contribute to the construction of a multipolar world.
As a result, Russia is trying to remain impartial as possible in this crisis. However, the USA’s open support for Israel pushes Russia to cooperate more with Iran. So much so that Putin announced that Russia would side with Iran if the USA attacked Iranian territory in support of Israel.[8] It can be said that this warning from Moscow prevented Washington from going any further against Tehran. Therefore, it will not be a surprise if Iran raises its ties with Russia to a higher level in the future.
[1] “Iran’s aerial attack on Israel was based on Russian tactics in Ukraine, war experts say”, Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/iran-mimicked-russian-tactics-israel-attack-war-experts-say-2024-4, (Date Accessed: 16.04.2024).
[2] “Russian weapons help Iran harden defenses against Israeli airstrike”, The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/04/15/iran-israel-russia-drones-missiles/, (Date Accessed: 16.04.2024).
[3] “Why Russia Doesn’t Want War Between Israel and Iran”, RAND, https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2024/04/why-russia-doesnt-want-war-between-israel-and-iran.html, (Date Accessed: 16.04.2024).
[4] “Russia Urges ‘Restraint’ After Iranian Attack on Israel”, The Moscow Times, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/14/russia-halts-flights-to-israel-jordan-iran-following-attack-on-israel-a84834, (Date Accessed:16.04.2024).
[5] Ibid.
[6] “Russia moves supersonic missile warship to Middle East after Iran attack on Israel”, Express, https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1888214/russia-supersonic-missile-warship-Iran-Israel-middle-east, (Date Accessed: 16.04.2024).
[7] Ibid.
[8] “Rusya, İsrail-İran çatışmasında tarafını seçti! Putin’den kritik açıklama”, Milli Gazete, https://www.milligazete.com.tr/haber/19871190/rusya-israil-iran-catismasinda-tarafini-secti-putinden-kritik-aciklama, (Date Accessed: 16.04.2024).
