Russia sits back as the Iran war escalates, expecting long-term gains

Analysts quoted in the article argue Moscow expects long-term strategic gains: higher oil revenues, diverted global attention from Ukraine, depleted Western arsenals, and pressure on U.S. and NATO states to reduce military support for Kyiv.

“Russia sits back as the Iran war escalates, expecting long-term gains Russia sits back as the Iran war escalates, expecting long-term gains MOSCOW (AP) — As U”

Associated Press

The article cites experts Mark Galeotti, Sergei Poletaev and Sam Greene saying Russia has been a pragmatic Middle East operator.

Associated Press

Those experts say weakening regional rivals could make them more amenable partners.

They also say Putin is unlikely to jeopardize his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The piece notes potential market and supply shifts, with China likely boosting imports of Russian crude, Turkey possibly increasing gas purchases, and the U.S. issuing a 30-day waiver allowing refineries to buy Russian supplies at sea.

It observes that a prolonged conflict could strain Western missile defenses (Patriots), which Moscow could view as advantageous for its position vis-à-vis Ukraine.