Russia fears another loss in Middle East from Iran's conflict with Israel

Russia expresses concern over the growing tensions between Iran and Israel

With Iran increasingly asserting itself in the Middle East, the conflict between Iran and Israel is a major source of concern for Russia. This comes as Iran's controversial nuclear program and its support for proxy groups have stoked tensions with not only Israel but also the US and its allies. Russia, still reeling from its recent defeat in Ukraine, is worried about further loss of influence in the region.

The shift in power dynamics

The shift in power dynamics in the Middle East is also worrying for Russia, as it poses a threat to its strategic ambitions in the region. Israel, a strong ally of the US, has been increasingly vocal about its concerns over Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran insists is solely for peaceful purposes. Russia, despite its troubled relations with the US, may see this as an opportunity to increase its influence in the region by mediating between the two sides.

Russia's potential role in de-escalation

However, Russia may face challenges in playing the role of mediator. It has maintained relatively warm relations with both Iran and Israel, despite their mutual antagonism. To ensure its credibility, Russia will have to be mindful of not appearing to side with either Israel or Iran and instead emphasize its commitment to peace and stability in the region. This delicate balancing act could be aided by Russia's ongoing diplomatic efforts in Syria, which have seen it cooperate with both Tehran and Jerusalem on separate occasions.