The Kremlin distanced itself from the United States and Israel’s war with Iran, saying it would not get involved on Iran’s side.
When asked by a Russian reporter what Moscow should do in response to the war, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov was largely dismissive despite the country’s strategic ties to Iran, saying the conflict was “not our war.”
“From the very beginning, we declared our position that any war could lead to the destabilization of the region. That’s exactly what we’re doing now,” he said, noting the increasing number of countries getting involved in the war.
Despite these concerns, Peskov bluntly said that Russia must pursue its own best interests.
We must now minimize the consequences for our economy from the global shocks that we are already seeing begin,” he said. “We should probably secure benefits for ourselves where possible, as cynical as that may sound.
“Can we stop this war? No, we cannot,” Peskov said. “It can only be stopped by the one who started it.”
In another interview, Peskov said Russia wouldn’t supply more arms to Iran because it hadn’t received any requests.
“Our position has been clear and consistent for a long time, and nothing has changed on that front,” he said.
Russia and Iran signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2025, cementing and deepening cooperation in military, economic, energy, technological, political, and trade spheres. Contrary to popular belief, the deal did not constitute an alliance, and neither is obliged to come to the assistance of the other if attacked, in contrast to the deal signed by Russia and North Korea.
Russia is known for its transactional relations on the international stage, with Iran being no exception. Tehran proved crucial for Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Moscow paying handsomely for the design of the revolutionary Shahed kamikaze drone, which was produced as the Geran and upgraded.
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Moscow’s lack of help for Iran also reflects its limits, given its military is tied down in the now four-year-old war in Ukraine.
Additionally, Moscow enjoys fairly good relations with Israel, given that much of its population is made up of Russian Jews. Many Gulf States have reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to serve as a mediator in the conflict, given the country’s unique position.