Russia may be issuing verbal condemnations from the sidelines of the conflict in Iran, but behind the scenes, it’s leveraging its relationship with Iran to give the US a “taste of its own medicine.” Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Times Radio political editor Kate McCann sit down with Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, to discuss Russia’s calculated role in the escalating war in Iran. Gabuev explains why the US being preoccupied in fighting another Middle Eastern conflict is a “gift” to Putin, including how temporary sanctions relief and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz boosts Russian oil revenues. Together, they also analyze the impact of the war on Ukraine’s security and energy infrastructure, as well as how continued economic strain and repression in Russia may limit its involvement in the conflict.

In this episode:

01:35 – Why the Iran War helps Russia

04:17 – Oil shock and Russian windfall

16:48 – The Iran-Russia alliance

23:11 – Limits of Kremlin support

28:24 – Iran War knock-on effects for Ukraine

32:58 – Ukraine’s Gulf alliance strategy

38:05 – Russian public mood and repression

42:47 – One Decision: What’s Trump’s next move?

44:00 – Sir Richard and Kate discussion

Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio).

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