As tensions grow, Russia, Iran compare notes, US, Israel mount pressure

Earlier this week, Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, met with Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as with the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Al-Akbar Ahmadian, and with the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Mohamed Bagheri.

Russia 🇷🇺-Iran🇮🇷 relations are on the rise in a few recent years and not just because of Ukraine.

In 2019, Russian Foreign Ministry in a special memo described Iran as “a long-time predictable partner of Moscow in the Middle East region.”

The note read:

“Engaging with Iran is a key condition for providing Russian national security, reinforcing stability in the Caucasus, the Central Asia and the Middle East. Iran is a key player in the region. Dialogue and cooperation [contribute to] stability and security, including in countering international terrorism, which was clearly manifested in [the joint] fight with terrorists in Syria.”

While the United States and its regional allies label Iran as a principal destabilizing force, Russia argues the country is key to regional security.

While Washington lobbies for Tehran’s isolation, Moscow seeks avenues for engagement.

While Tehran is likely to be looking for engagement opportunities with the West, US, Israeli policies will most likely conitnue to feed Iranian disappointment.Which means even though Iranian trust in Russia isn’t necesssarily very high, Moscow remains most reliable partner than any other player Tehran has been dealing with.