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Is Vladimir Putin profiting from the Iran-Israel conflict?
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a meeting with his confidants for the 2024 election at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow, Russia January 31, 2024. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
The ongoing dispute between Iran and Israel has once again brought the Middle East to the forefront, with tensions rising following a recent exchange of drone and missile strikes. Now some voices say Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stands to benefit from the crisis. Is that so and if so, how?
The facts
Following Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel, Russia expressed “extreme concern” over the escalation.
The situation erupted after an Israeli strike in Damascus on April 1 killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders, including two generals. In retaliation, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel.
The turmoil in the Middle East l has led to diminishing aid to Kyiv.
The arguments
Putin’s appeals to moderation and diplomacy may appear noble on the surface, but critics say a closer examination reveals a more complex web of strategic interests and geopolitical manoeuvring.
Analysts believe that the Middle East conflict diverts world attention away from Russia’s actions in Ukraine. With Kyiv facing rising obstacles and Russia intensifying attacks, attention is shifting away from Ukraine to the Middle East.
The war in Ukraine is depicted as one of several global issues, reducing Western pressure to contribute aid.
Observers are of the view that Putin sees the crisis as an opportunity to increase Russia’s influence in the area. Despite tight connections with Iran, Russia has courted Israel and the Gulf states to increase its might. The new escalation may establish Russia as a crucial mediator.
Putin’s appeal to moderation reflects Russia’s geopolitical interests in the region. By calling for de-escalation, Putin hopes to maintain stability, which supports Russia’s larger geopolitical ambitions.
Russia’s assistance for Iran in the crisis raises concerns about Putin’s motivations. Despite public calls for moderation, Russia has developed tight connections with Iran, giving it with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and drones.
Also, the crisis between Iran and Israel indirectly favours Russia. As tensions grow, Iran and Israel may seek Russia’s help or purchase additional weapons from Moscow, boosting Russia’s regional dominance.
Russia gets diplomatic leverage by portraying itself as a dispute mediator. Putin’s efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are consistent with Russia’s goal of establishing itself as a prominent actor in the Middle East peace process.
Putin has criticised the West’s handling of the conflict, emphasising the need for an independent Palestinian state. By capitalising on Western divisions on this topic, Russia boosts its position as an alternative power broker.
In conclusion, while Putin officially pushes for peace, his actions point to a more complex reality. Russia’s support for Iran, combined with its geopolitical interests in the region, raises the question of whether Putin is genuinely gaining from the Iran-Israel confrontation.
