1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
ConflictsIran

Iran war: Why Russia hasn't yet come to its ally's rescue

March 13, 2026

Russia watches Iran burn — and can't, or won't, put out the fire. Moscow's ally is under attack, but the Kremlin is stuck between loyalty, self-interest and not upsetting US President Donald Trump.

https://p.dw.com/p/5ANE8

Russia is reacting cautiously to the Iran war, supporting Tehran verbally while limiting concrete action. Despite close economic and military ties, Moscow is constrained by its war in Ukraine, fears antagonizing the US and benefits from rising oil prices. Experts say Russia risks losing a key regional ally, while its influence in the Middle East weakens as it struggles to balance strategic interests and limited capacities.

Rescheto Juri Kommentarbild App
Juri Rescheto DW Riga Bureau Chief