Iran war: Why is Russia not coming to Tehran’s aid?

Iran War: Why Is Russia Not Coming to Tehran’s Aid?

The Iranian government, currently isolated by few international allies, has leaned heavily on Moscow’s backing during escalating US-Israeli strikes. Yet, the support from Russia has been limited, leaving Tehran disillusioned. As the bombardment of Tehran began on Saturday, Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, swiftly labeled it an “unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state.”

A Key Economic Partnership

Moscow and Tehran have worked together on critical economic ventures, noted Nikita Smagin, an Azerbaijan-based expert on Russia and the Middle East. “The North-South transport corridor stands out as a major collaboration,” he said. This 7,200-kilometer multi-mode network, signed in 2000 by Russia, India, and Iran, traverses through Azerbaijan. The Gulf Research Center in Saudi Arabia reports that 75% of the project is now complete.

Military Contributions and Strategic Rationale

Iran has also provided vital military assets to Russia, particularly through its Shahed drones since 2023. Julian Waller, a research analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses in the US, highlighted this. “Iran’s drones significantly altered the dynamics of the Ukraine conflict,” he stated. While Russia has since developed its own designs, Smagin emphasized that the alliance isn’t rooted in ideology. “Russian leaders don’t especially admire Iran, but they see it as a dependable strategic partner,” he explained. Both nations face Western sanctions, unlike Turkey or Egypt, which might reconsider trade ties under pressure.

A Non-Attack Pact with Israel?

Gregoire Roos, director of Europe and Russia studies at Chatham House in London, suggested that Russia and Iran share an informal understanding with Israel. “Tehran had hoped for more than just words — it sought tangible military and political backing,” said Mojtaba Hashemi, an international relations expert. “Russia and China prioritized their own challenges over fully committing to Iran’s defense,” he added, noting the Islamic Republic’s overestimation of Moscow’s reliability.

Strategic Gains for Moscow

Roos argued that a prolonged conflict in Iran could benefit Russia. “The attention from Western media would shift away from Ukraine, reducing Zelenskyy’s visibility,” he explained. “Washington might also struggle to sustain its global campaign if the focus turns to Iran and potential escalation.” Despite this, the lack of Russian intervention has surprised some, with Pezeshkian recently stating that “friends we once trusted failed to assist during the war.”