Putin intensifies justification of Iran's aggression against Israel – ISW

Russian president Vladimir Putin has increasingly expressed anti-Israel positions, intensifying his defense of Iran’s aggression towards Israel, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts said that in recent days, several statements have been made in Russia regarding the Middle East conflict. Notably, the dictator’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, claimed that Israel carried out an airstrike, killing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, intending to "derail attempts to establish peace in the Middle East."

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the killing of the Hamas leader. While the Ministry did not explicitly blame Israel, it asserted that the "organizers of this political assassination" were aware of the "dangerous consequences" Haniyeh’s death could have for the entire region.

"Russia's decision to publicly blame Israel for destabilizing peace prospects in the Middle East and indirectly threaten Israel with "dangerous consequences" demonstrates Russia's increasing willingness to publicly align with Iran amid deepening Russian-Iranian military cooperation," the report says.

ISW analysts also emphasized that Putin has increasingly expressed anti-Israel sentiments since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and has particularly intensified information operations aimed at justifying Iranian aggression against Israel.

Iran is one of the few countries openly supporting Russia, including its war against Ukraine. Tehran also provides military assistance to Moscow. In the fall of 2022, Iran supplied the Russian army with Shahed kamikaze drones, which Russia has used in massive attacks on Ukraine.

There have also been reports that Iran plans to supply Russia with missiles. In return, according to media reports, Moscow has promised Tehran aircraft and more advanced weaponry.

Western media have also reported that Iran seeks to obtain technology from Russia to develop nuclear weapons.