Russia Seeks Power Broker Role Amid Israel-Iran Military Strikes

Russia is navigating a complex diplomatic position amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran's retaliatory attacks. President Vladimir Putin has condemned the Israeli strikes in strong terms while offering condolences to Iran and urging both parties to exercise restraint to avoid full-scale war, yet Russia has not indicated any military support to Tehran beyond political backing. This delicate balancing act reflects Russia's long-standing ties with both Israel and Iran, as Moscow seeks to maintain influence in the Middle East while potentially positioning itself as a mediator to de-escalate tensions. Analysts suggest that the Israel-Iran confrontation may divert global attention from the war in Ukraine, possibly weakening Western support for Kyiv, which could benefit Russia strategically. Meanwhile, Iran's strategic reliance on Russia appears to be waning due to Moscow's limited military support amid its focus on Ukraine, signaling cracks in the Tehran-Moscow axis. Putin has communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing diplomacy and negotiation as the path forward for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue.