Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow, where they discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the conflict in Gaza, oil prices, and the situation in Ukraine. The U.S. has expressed concerns about the growing ties between Russia and Iran, with allegations that Iran provided Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles for use in its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Iran has been accused of providing funding and weapons to Hamas in Gaza, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Raisi called for an immediate end to Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he claimed is supported by the U.S. and the West. Putin’s recent meetings in the Gulf and with Raisi are seen as a message to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated and to address the perception of double standards in the Western response to global conflicts. The discussions also highlight Russia’s efforts to foster global alliances outside the Western sphere. These diplomatic efforts come amid concerns about Russia’s alleged support for Iran’s destabilizing actions in the region.
