Russia’s response to the Iran war reflects a pragmatic strategy of influence without military entanglement: Moscow supports Tehran diplomatically to preserve their strategic partnership while maintaining economic ties with the Gulf states, safeguarding its own interests, and avoiding confrontation with the United States and Israel.
A Strategic Partnership, not a Military Alliance
The two states signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2025, covering trade, energy, and security. Under this agreement, the two countries agreed to enhance military and technological cooperation, conduct joint exercises, and share intelligence. However, this agreement did not bind either side to a mutual defense commitment. Moscow and Tehran’s relations could be described as a form of ‘dynamic alignment’. The two sides have adopted a pragmatic approach that allows them to manage bilateral differences while pursuing cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest. Both countries have shared interests in Central Asia and Afghanistan, nuclear energy, and military technology.
The Evolution of Russia–Iran Strategic Cooperation
Russia and Iran also have a history of positive relations. Iran’s confidence in Moscow’s diplomatic role culminated in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark nuclear agreement. Under this deal, Iran shipped more than 25,000 pounds (about 11,000 kg) of low-enriched uranium to Russia. The Western aggression against Russia through Ukraine further strengthened this relationship. Iran emerged as the primary supplier of Shahed drones before Russia localized the manufacturing of one-way attack drones.
This further deepened military and technological cooperation between the two sides. However, this cooperation cannot be called a NATO-style alliance as it does not coerce either side to subdue the other’s enemy. Their bilateral relations and agreements commit the two sides to share information and intelligence, and cooperate against common threats, but neither side is treaty-bound to fight a war on the other side’s behalf. Moscow, on its part, is prudently managing this relationship by standing with Iran while protecting Russian interests and preserving diplomatic flexibility.
Diplomacy as an Instrument of Russian Influence
Through the Ukraine conflict, the West seeks to entrap Russia in a war of attrition to drain its resources. However, Russia has always pursued a policy of maintaining working relations with all global powers. It has a history of managing ties despite having divergent views over international issues. It has been one of the strongest critics of Israeli war crimes and genocide in Gaza. Moreover, it strongly condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Russia also raised its voice in the UN Security Council against unjust and unprovoked US-Israeli strikes in Iran. Given its regional and international influence, Moscow also offered mediation between the United States and Iran, urging diplomacy.
Balancing Tehran and the Gulf States
Despite its strong ties with Iran, Russia has prudently managed its relations with the UAE and Gulf states. Western sanctions have enhanced the UAE’s economic significance for Russia, making it an increasingly important partner for trade, finance, and access to international markets. Over the past few years, bilateral trade has expanded, and Russian banks have established financial channels through the UAE. According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade volume reached approximately $12 billion in 2025. This demonstrates Moscow’s prudent, effective foreign policy, which helps it manage relations with regional and international powers without becoming part of a bloc. It also shows how Russia is leveraging diplomatic engagement to mitigate the economic impact of Western sanctions.
Iran, for its part, relies on Russian military and political support to counterbalance Western influence over many regional and international actors. Because of Western influence, most of the regional and international states have already turned against Iran. However, Russia is one of the few countries that have strongly supported Iran on international forums. Under the prevailing circumstances, Moscow pursues a pragmatic foreign policy, maintaining relations with competing regional actors while safeguarding its strategic interests and policy autonomy. Moscow’s role in the UN Security Council, its offer to mediate between the United States and Iran, and its management of diplomatic relations with all the major powers present it as a strategically autonomous actor seeking to preserve its influence while avoiding direct military confrontation. This approach helps Moscow to maintain its global stature without committing its resources and capabilities in any foreign military crisis.
Abbas Hashemite is a political observer and research analyst for regional and global geopolitical issues. He is currently working as an independent researcher and journalist
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