Steve Rosenberg: Russia seeks diplomatic and economic gains from Iran war

In the span of a single week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has engaged in two distinct calls with Iran’s leader. As the United States and Israel intensify their military actions against Iran, Moscow is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s geopolitical landscape. This image of a global mediator, however, is challenged by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which remains a focal point of international criticism.

Russia’s strategic alliance with Iran, formalized through a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” agreement, underscores its broader interests in the Middle East. Despite this partnership, Moscow has not pledged to defend Tehran in the event of conflict. Instead, it is offering to act as an intermediary, seeking to bolster its influence in the Gulf and enhance diplomatic ties with Washington. This effort aligns with Putin’s goal of maintaining a positive relationship with the Trump administration, which he views as advantageous for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

Putin wants to be helpful,” Trump stated following a call with the Russian leader. “I said, ‘You could be more helpful by getting the Ukraine-Russia war over with. That would be more helpful.'”

The economic dimension of Russia’s involvement in the Iran conflict is equally significant. Recent spikes in global oil prices have provided a critical financial boost to Moscow. With crude oil prices rising to nearly $120 per barrel, Russian government revenues have surged, enabling continued funding for the war in Ukraine. The federal budget relies on oil exports at $59 a barrel, yet current prices remain well above that threshold, offering substantial gains.

While the Kremlin advocates for a “swift de-escalation” of the Iran conflict, the situation also serves as a platform for advancing other interests. Trump’s proposal to ease oil-related sanctions on certain countries could further benefit Russia, potentially leading to even greater financial rewards. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that such a move would deal a “serious blow” to Kyiv’s position.

Though the Kremlin maintains a diplomatic tone, some Russian media outlets have grown critical of Trump’s approach. A recent headline in the pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda declared, “Expensive oil is a reason [for the West] to cancel sanctions.” Meanwhile, the tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets mocked Trump’s peace initiatives, stating, “The ‘peace president’ has simply lost his mind. The Emperor has no clothes. Or rather, no sanity.”