Putin Positions Russia as Mediator
Vladimir Putin is seeking to position Russia as a potential mediator in the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, even as Moscow continues its own war in Ukraine.
The Russian president has spoken twice within a week with Iran’s leadership and also held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump.
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According to the Kremlin, Putin used the call with Trump to propose ideas aimed at achieving a diplomatic resolution to the Iran conflict.
Russian officials say these proposals are based on discussions with leaders in the Gulf region, Iran and other countries.
Moscow has publicly called for a “swift de-escalation and political resolution” to the war.
However, critics note that Russia itself launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — an action condemned by the United Nations General Assembly as a violation of international law.
Strategic Partnership With Iran
Russia maintains a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” agreement with Iran, reflecting close cooperation between the two countries.
Putin recently reaffirmed Moscow’s “unwavering support” for Tehran, although the agreement does not amount to a formal mutual defence treaty.
Rather than direct military involvement, Russia has offered to help mediate between the parties.
For Moscow, the crisis also presents an opportunity to reinforce its influence across the Middle East and the Gulf.
By presenting itself as a diplomatic broker, the Kremlin hopes to demonstrate that it remains a major global power with the ability to shape international events.
Relations With the United States
The conflict may also give Russia a chance to maintain working relations with Washington.
The Kremlin has avoided directly criticising Trump over the military campaign against Iran.
Trump said after his call with Putin that the Russian leader appeared keen to assist.
“[Putin] wants to be helpful,” the US president said.
Trump also suggested that Russia could play a more constructive role by helping to end the war in Ukraine.
“I said you could be more helpful by getting the Ukraine-Russia war over with,” he added.
Despite differences over Ukraine, Moscow appears eager to maintain communication with the Trump administration, which it believes could benefit its strategic interests.
Oil Prices Offer Economic Benefits
Beyond diplomacy, the conflict could provide Russia with economic advantages.
Fighting in the Middle East has driven up global oil prices, boosting revenues for major energy exporters such as Russia.
Russia’s federal budget assumes an average oil export price of around $59 per barrel.
In recent months, global prices had dropped below that level, putting pressure on government finances.
However, crude oil prices surged dramatically after the war began, at one point approaching $120 per barrel before easing.
Even after falling back, prices remain well above Russia’s budget assumptions, potentially helping Moscow fund its ongoing war effort in Ukraine.
Possible Impact of Sanctions
The situation could become even more beneficial for Russia if oil-related sanctions are eased.
Trump has suggested the United States might waive certain sanctions on some countries to stabilise global energy supplies disrupted by the Iran conflict.
Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, warned that any easing of restrictions on Russian oil exports would be a serious setback for Kyiv.
He urged Washington not to relax sanctions that were imposed after Russia’s invasion.
Mixed Reaction in Russian Media
While the Kremlin has avoided openly criticising Trump, some Russian media outlets have taken a far more confrontational tone.
The pro-government newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda suggested that high oil prices could eventually push Western governments to reconsider sanctions on Russia.
Another publication, Moskovsky Komsomolets, sharply criticised Trump’s handling of the Iran war, calling the US president’s actions reckless.
As the conflict continues, Moscow appears determined to use the situation to strengthen its diplomatic position and secure economic advantages.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 10.03 2026