This episode unpacks the opportunities and risks Moscow is facing amid the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran.

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow, CFR

We Discuss:

Whether Russia and Iran are true allies, or simply friends of convenience.
How decades of rivalry and recent convergence shaped the current Moscow-Tehran relationship.
Why Russia's strategic partnership with Iran excludes a mutual defense obligation.
What role Russian intelligence sharing may be playing on the Middle East battlefield.
How rising oil prices help Russia in the short term but carry serious long-term economic risks.
Whether keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed serves Moscow's interest.
How Operation Epic Fury has stalled peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war, and complicated weapons supply to Kyiv.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, July 14, 2015

Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, January 17, 2025

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/russias-stakes-in-the-iran-war

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

Russia’s Stakes in the Iran War, With Thomas Graham