In Moscow's Shadows In Moscow's Shadows 204: The Opportunity and the Threat, Moscow and Iran, Moscow and the West
Jun 15, 2025
The podcast dives deep into the ramifications of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, questioning Russia's potential betrayal of its ally. It examines the shifting dynamics in the Middle East and NATO's urgent response to perceived Russian threats, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to prevent miscommunication. The host critiques the narrative surrounding the Russian threat, advocating for better understanding and engagement with the Russian population. Highlights also include insights into hybrid warfare and military collaboration.
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Russia's Balancing Act in Middle East
- Russia carefully balances its stance between Israel and Iran, avoiding full alignment with Tehran despite a 20-year strategic partnership.
- Putin tends to support whichever side appears stronger, aligning with Israel's recent military effectiveness rather than Iran's setbacks.
Transactional Russia-Iran Relations
- Russia's relationship with Iran has always been transactional and complex without military obligations during war.
- Moscow values Iran for selling military resources but no longer relies as heavily on Tehran now that domestic drone production has expanded.
Russia’s Geopolitical Deal-Making
- Russia seeks to lateralize geopolitical deals by offering concessions in other areas when core issues are fixed.
- Distancing from Iran may improve ties with Turkey, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, aligning with Russia's interest in Middle Eastern balance.