Moscow Advances Ties to Iran's Regional Rivals

Moscow Advances Ties to Iran's Regional Rivals

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This commentary examines Russia’s expanding diplomatic, security, and economic engagement with states that are rivals or counterweights to Iran in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. It situates Moscow’s maneuvers within shifting regional alignments driven by shared concerns over U.S. policy, Iran’s regional influence, and competing visions for order in the Gulf and Levant. The author analyzes how Russia’s outreach—through arms sales, joint military exercises, energy cooperation, and diplomatic initiatives—seeks to position Moscow as an indispensable partner across the region while minimizing Tehran’s ability to dominate its neighborhood. The article argues that Moscow’s strategy reflects a broader effort to maximize leverage with multiple actors, deepen regional influence, and hedge against overdependence on Iran. It concludes by assessing implications for U.S. strategic interests, alliance dynamics, and competition among great powers in West Asia.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Strategic Competition, National Security, Defense Policy

Region(s)

Middle East/West Asia, Russia, Iran

Publication Date

3-6-2019

Keywords

Russia, Iran, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, regional rivals, Moscow foreign policy, great power competition, U.S. interests, security cooperation, arms sales, geopolitical strategy

Moscow Advances Ties to Iran's Regional Rivals

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