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Why Putin Won't Come to Iran's Rescue Against Israel

(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Anna Borshchevskaya - Moscow has done little to help Iran beyond rhetorical condemnations of Israel and the U.S. and offers to mediate. Russian President Vladimir Putin empowered Iran and its proxies across the Middle East for years. Still, he chose not to come to Iran's rescue during the Israeli military campaign and targeted U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. His response is consistent with how the Kremlin views partnerships: prioritizing its own needs and avoiding over-commitment to anyone. Many commentators were quick to point out that Russia and Iran have a signed strategic partnership, but the agreement has no mutual defense clause, a point Putin himself made on June 18. Moreover, Russia no longer needs Iran for drone technology to support its war in Ukraine. Putin would not be upset if the Iranian nuclear program were set back because it would only strengthen Russia's position vis-a-vis Iran. Russia has supported Iran's nuclear program since the mid-1990s by providing technical assistance and building nuclear power plants. The writer is a senior fellow at the Washington Institute.
2025-07-01 00:00:00
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