Balancing Tehran and Tel Aviv: A Critical Analysis of Russia’s Strategic Interests in the Iran-Israel Confrontation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55559/ijchss.v2i1.10Keywords:
Strategic Balancing, Russia’s Middle East Policy, Iran-Israel Tensions, Geopolitical Interests, Military Deconfliction, Regional Power DynamicsAbstract
This paper critically analyzes the strategic balancing of Russia between Iran and Israel due to increased confrontations in the region. Even though Iran will continue being a major military ally to Russia, especially in Syria, Israel is a strategic partner in the intelligence coordination and technological cooperation. The study examines the way Russia manages these two alliances to be able to exert its influence in the region without losing either of the partners. Using a qualitative, case-based approach, the study uses a range of second-hand sources such as official statements, policy analyses and reports of think tanks. The results demonstrate that the approach of Russia is based on calculated ambiguity and military deconfliction systems and selective engagement that provide the country with the opportunity to act as a regional broker of power. Nonetheless, this balancing game would be highly dangerous, particularly in the event that Iran-Israel relations lead to a direct confrontation. The paper concludes that, although Russia can gain short-term diplomatic advantages, its situation is fundamentally not very stable, and its long-term capacity to mediate or contain war can be constrained by conflicting interests and by a changing balance of geopolitical power.
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