Iran war: Why is Russia not coming to Tehran’s aid?

Iran War: Why Is Russia Not Coming to Tehran’s Aid?

Iran, facing relentless attacks from the United States and Israel, has relied heavily on Russia’s backing. Yet, the support from Moscow has been sparse, leaving Tehran frustrated. Just hours after strikes began on Saturday, Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, denounced the actions as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state.” Despite this rebuke, Moscow has not mobilized military or diplomatic assistance, prompting questions about its stance.

Economic Ties and Strategic Calculations

Experts note that Russia and Iran share critical economic collaborations, such as the North-South transport corridor. Nikita Smagin, an Azerbaijan-based analyst, highlighted its importance, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted traditional transit routes in 2022. The 7,200-kilometer (4,473 miles) multi-mode network, involving Russia, India, and Iran, is nearing completion, with 75% of work done according to Gulf Research Center data.

“The partnership between Russia and Iran is not about ideology — Russian politicians don’t particularly like Iran, but they view Tehran as a reliable strategic partner,” said Smagin.

Russia has also benefited from Iran’s military contributions, such as Shahed drones since 2023. Julian Waller, from the Center for Naval Analyses, emphasized their role in shifting the Ukraine war’s dynamics. “Iran was useful for the Russian war effort, even if drone production is now mostly indigenized,” Waller noted, adding that Russia has refined the designs.

Non-Attack Pact and Reluctance to Act

Analysts suggest a tacit agreement between Russia and Israel could explain Moscow’s hesitation. While Russia has provided intelligence and supplies to Iran, it may prioritize its own interests over direct intervention. “The two countries are not defensive allies,” Waller observed, underscoring the lack of formal commitment.

“Tehran was expecting tangible political and military support from Moscow,” said Mojtaba Hashemi. “This included expanded cooperation, intelligence sharing, and a deterrent message to enemies — not just words.”

Hashemi argued that Iran’s reliance on Russia was miscalculated, as Moscow and China face greater challenges. “Their support has been consistent, offering weapons and repression tools, but not decisive intervention,” he added. Meanwhile, Gregoire Roos of Chatham House proposed that a prolonged conflict in Iran could work in Russia’s favor. “Escalation would shift media focus away from Zelenskyy, and Washington might struggle to sustain its efforts,” Roos explained.

Iranian leaders, however, had anticipated Moscow’s aid, as former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad once claimed, “Russia has always sold out the Iranian nation.” President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this sentiment after the 12-day war in June 2025, stating that “countries we considered friends did not help us during the conflict.”