Jerusalem: <a href="https://time.news/mega-storm-hits-southern-russia-and-ukraine/" title="“Mega storm” hits southern Russia and Ukraine“>Russia has long attempted to keep itself out of events in the Middle East, but the new situation created after October 7 has made this more difficult than ever. This has been further complicated by Russia’s growing defense ties with Iran. After the attack on Ukraine in the year 2022, defense relations between Russia and Iran have taken a big leap. The attack on Ukraine has inspired Moscow to establish a military partnership with Iran, but this friendship has now become a cause of serious concern for the US and Israel. Russia is not only helping Iran strengthen its security, but also It is also providing funds to Tehran by purchasing high-tech weapons like drones and missiles, which is helping the fundamentalist Shia country to spread violence in the region through its proxies. Iran has made great progress in the drone industry. It has given Russia a large number of UAVs to attack Ukraine.
America has expressed concern
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on September 10 that ‘Iran has now delivered Fatah 360 missiles to Russia and will probably use them against Ukraine in Europe within a few weeks.’ Blinken stressed that these missiles pose a threat to European security and will likely be fired against short-range targets. Now Russia is also preparing to repay the loan to Iran.
Russia preparing to help Iran’s proxy
Recent leaks confirm that the Kremlin is now seriously considering arming not only Iran but also Tehran-backed proxy groups, Israeli media outlet Ynet reports. Iran’s proxies will use these weapons to target Israel. However, Russia is currently engaged in Ukraine but once the fighting subsides, Moscow will be free to provide further aid to Tehran.
Tension between America and Israel will increase
This is a situation for which America and Israel will have to be prepared. The West must accept the new reality that even if Russia’s war against Ukraine ends, there is little hope that Iran-Russia defense relations will return to their pre-2022 status. There are many military needs between Iran and Russia in which both can help each other.
Increased cooperation between the two could also provide a platform to promote military technological cooperation between China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. In such a situation, the West must stop this cooperation between Iran and Russia and focus on weakening it in sensitive areas with sanctions.
Interview: Time.news Editor Chats with Middle East Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Hartman, a renowned expert on Middle East geopolitics and international relations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hartman.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent events in the Middle East, especially post-October 7, seem to be reshaping alliances. How do you assess Russia’s position in this evolving landscape?
Dr. Hartman: Russia has historically tried to maintain a distance from direct involvement in the Middle East, but the recent escalation has compelled them to engage more actively. After the attack on Ukraine in 2022, they turned to Iran for military solidarity. The partnership appears to be a strategic move for both countries, particularly in countering U.S. and Israeli influence in the region.
Editor: That’s interesting. Could you explain how this partnership specifically benefits Iran, especially in terms of security and military capabilities?
Dr. Hartman: Absolutely. Russia is not only enhancing Iran’s military capacity through weapons deals—such as high-tech drones and missiles—but is also providing financial assistance. This relationship strengthens Iran’s position to leverage its proxies across the region, which is a significant concern for both the US and Israel. Furthermore, Iran’s advancements in drone technology have been considerable, allowing them to project power not just regionally but also internationally.
Editor: Speaking of drones, can you elaborate on the implications of Iran supplying drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict? What does this mean for the balance of power?
Dr. Hartman: The exchange of military technology, like drones, between Iran and Russia, signifies a deepening of their military alliance. For Iran, this relationship not only strengthens its own defenses but also positions it as a key player in global arms dynamics. For Russia, acquiring drones from Iran is a tactical advantage in Ukraine, allowing them to carry out operations more effectively. This kind of cooperation can shift the balance of power in favor of those nations willing to collaborate against Western interests.
Editor: It sounds like a troubling escalation in regional tensions. How do you think the U.S. and its allies will respond to this deepening relationship between Russia and Iran?
Dr. Hartman: The U.S. and its allies are likely to increase their surveillance and intelligence operations in the region. We can also expect a more robust diplomatic effort to counter this alliance, possibly through sanctions or other economic measures targeted at both nations. Israel, in particular, may resort to more direct military operations against Iranian positions to disrupt any developments that could threaten its national security.
Editor: Given all these interconnected events, what should observers be watching for in the coming months?
Dr. Hartman: Keep an eye on diplomatic dialogues, especially at international platforms. The dynamics in the Middle East are always fluid, so any shifts could either escalate tensions or create opportunities for negotiation. Additionally, watch for changes in military postures from both Iran and Russia, as well as reactions from other regional players like Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Their responses will be crucial in determining the next stages of this geopolitical puzzle.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hartman. It’s certainly a complex situation, and I appreciate you shedding light on these developments.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me! It’s vital to stay informed as these events unfold.
Editor: Thank you to our audience for joining us today. Stay tuned to Time.news for more updates on global events.