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According to Igor Semivolos, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, the rapprochement between Russia and Iran is gaining momentum.

He stated this in an interview with Radio NV.

Recent statements at a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Ashgabat demonstrated the readiness of the two countries for further cooperation.

Although the real dynamics will become clear after concrete steps such as the signing of a major agreement, Iran already feels the need for support, especially against the backdrop of a possible Israeli strike. With its space for maneuver shrinking, Iran is becoming increasingly dependent on Moscow.

Russia, in turn, is actively supplying Iran with S-400 air defense systems, which may indicate that Tehran is preparing to defend itself in anticipation of an attack. Political support from Moscow and possible steps from China are also extremely important for Iran, which is seeking to gain the support of permanent members of the UN Security Council.

As for Russia’s benefits from such a rapprochement, Semivolos emphasizes that Moscow, having retained its geopolitical ambitions from Soviet times, continues to seek to strengthen its influence in the Middle East.

Traditional goals such as the North-South International Transport Corridor and access to the Persian Gulf remain relevant. Russia is considering the possibility of using its role in Iran in the same way as it once strengthened its position in Syria, and expects that its opinion in the international arena will be taken into account.

Earlier, Kursor reported that Israel named the US targets for strikes on Iran.

The ability to attack oil and nuclear facilities was abandoned in order to avoid escalation of the conflict and prevent a large-scale regional war.