Russia is increasingly concerned about the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, fearing a potential loss of influence and strategic partners in the Middle East, particularly Iran, following the recent deposition of Bashar al-Assad. While initially seeing potential benefits like higher global oil prices and a distraction from the war in Ukraine, Moscow now recognizes the serious risks, especially as its strategic partnership with Iran does not include military assistance. President Putin is expected to address these geopolitical shifts at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Russia fears another loss in Middle East from Iran's conflict with Israel
RussiaIranVladimir PutinIsraelMiddle East
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Russia is increasingly concerned about the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, fearing a potential loss of influence and strategic partners in the Middle East, particularly Iran, following the recent deposition of Bashar al-Assad. While initially seeing potential benefits like higher global oil prices and a distraction from the war in Ukraine, Moscow now recognizes the serious risks, especially as its strategic partnership with Iran does not include military assistance. President Putin is expected to address these geopolitical shifts at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Trending- 1 Last December (2024): Bashar al-Assad was deposed in Syria.
- 2 Earlier this year (2025): Vladimir Putin and President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a comprehensive strategic partnership.
- 3 Recently: Israel launched Operation Rising Lion.
- 4 Monday (2025-06-16): Russian political scientist Andrei Kortunov wrote in business daily Kommersant.
- 5 Tuesday (2025-06-17): Moskovsky Komsomolets commented on developments in the Middle East.
- 6 This week (June 2025): Vladimir Putin is spending much of the week in St Petersburg for the International Economic Forum.
- Increased instability in the Middle East.
- Potential weakening of Russia's geopolitical position and influence in the region.
- Russia's inability to prevent Israeli strikes on Iran despite their strategic partnership.
- Focus on demonstrating Russia's resilience against isolation at the economic forum.
What: Russia fears losing influence and strategic partners in the Middle East due to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
When: Israel launched Operation Rising Lion recently; Vladimir Putin and President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a strategic partnership earlier this year (2025); Bashar al-Assad was deposed last December (2024); Russian political scientist Andrei Kortunov wrote on Monday (2025-06-16); Moskovsky Komsomolets commented on Tuesday (2025-06-17); Putin is spending much of this week in St Petersburg.
Where: Middle East, Russia, Iran, Israel, Ukraine, Syria, St Petersburg.
Why: Russia initially saw potential positives (rise in oil prices, distraction from Ukraine) but now realizes the risks of instability and losing allies. Its strategic partnership with Iran is not a military alliance, meaning it cannot provide military assistance. The prospect of regime change in Iran is a major concern after losing Bashar al-Assad.
How: Russia has issued political statements condemning Israel but is not prepared to provide military assistance to Iran. Vladimir Putin is using the St Petersburg International Economic Forum to demonstrate Russia's resilience against international isolation.