The Intense Skirmish Between Israel and Iran: A War of Missiles and Accusations
Middle East Strife: Russia's Attempt to Intervene in the Israel-Iran Disagreement
The Middle East is once again in the throes of turmoil, as Israel and Iran engage in a fierce exchange of missiles. This flare-up started on June 13, following Israel's extensive offensive against Iran's military targets. Tehran reports a grim toll of over 200 deaths from Israeli attacks, while Israel mourns at least two dozen casualties due to Iranian missile strikes [1][2].
The world watches anxiously as Moscow, despite its ongoing war in Ukraine, positions itself as a potential mediator in this escalating conflict. Russian spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed Moscow's readiness to mediate, a role that Vladimir Putin had earlier suggested during a call with Donald Trump [3].
A Timely Diversion for Moscow's Agenda
From Moscow's perspective, this Middle Eastern crisis could serve as a strategic diversion. A similar effect was observed during the October 7, 2023 attacks and subsequent raids on Gaza. As diplomatic efforts gear towards the Middle East, Moscow capitalizes on the opportunity by offering to mediate [3]. Meanwhile, unrest in other regions, such as Ukraine, takes a backseat.
Trump has acknowledged that his discussions with Putin concerning Iran overshadowed those about Ukraine [3]. This escalation in the Middle East could potentially lead to an increase in oil prices, a boon for Russia, which heavily relies on hydrocarbon exports to finance its ongoing war in Ukraine [3].
Unveiling the Darker Side of the Conflict
Notably, Iran has accused Israel of targeting a hospital[4], denouncing what it calls a "war crime." Further, Moscow has condemned Israeli strikes and criticized the West's silence on the matter [3], a move that could potentially jeopardize Moscow's attempts to improve relations with Washington. The alignment of Russia with Iran over the past three years, evidenced by their strategic partnership agreement, may complicate Russia's role as a mediator in this conflict [4].
[1] https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/06/15/israel-iran-conflict-escalates-strikes-mortar-shells/[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/explosions-heard-in-israel-after-iran-promises-retaliation-syrian-media-2023-06-15/[3] https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-should-help-stabilize-middle-east-putin-says-washington-wants-moscow-to-do-more-to-pressure-iran/[4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/15/iran-accuses-israel-of-striking-hospital-in-syria-state-tv
In the midst of this Middle Eastern crisis, Russia, amidst its own war in Ukraine, positions itself as a potential mediator, hoping to gain strategic advantage and boost oil prices through this diplomatic endeavor [3]. The allegations of a targeted hospital by Israel, denounced as a 'war crime' by Iran, could potentially strain Russia's role as a mediator, given their strategic partnership with Iran [4].
