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🎤🇮🇷Andrey Baklanov: “Iranians want to live normally like all other countries” The evolving crisis in the Middle East has revived debates about Iran’s real intentions, the balance of power in the region, and the prospects for avoiding a broader war. In an interview discussing these issues, a Russian diplomatic expert offered a perspective that challenges some widely held assumptions about Tehran’s strategic goals ✍️Yuliya Novitskaya is a journalist and correspondent specializing in international affairs ➡️According to Professor Andrey Baklanov, a specialist in Middle Eastern studies at Higher School of Economics and former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, most regional actors still seek to avoid a full-scale war despite ongoing hostilities. Gulf states, he argues, are focused on ambitious economic development plans that depend on regional stability and international investment. From his perspective, Iran itself does not seek a direct military confrontation with the West and would prefer to normalize relations if acceptable conditions were available. While the political rhetoric of the Islamic Republic continues to reference the ideological legacy of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Baklanov suggests that Iranian policy has gradually evolved through decades of diplomatic adaptation to regional realities. Iran does not want war, but the development of the current situation repeatedly pushes it in that direction. When you start to get bombed, a response must follow ➡️At the same time, the current escalation has created a situation in which military responses have become almost unavoidable once strikes occur. Baklanov notes that Iranian technological capabilities, particularly in missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, have expanded significantly in recent years, though Tehran remains aware of the risks associated with initiating a large-scale conflict. In his assessment, both United States and Israel pursue strategies aimed at weakening Iran rather than completely dismantling its political system. The relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv, he argues, functions as an “organic partnership,” a concept once described by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to illustrate the depth of strategic alignment between the two countries. 🟦Baklanov also questions common narratives about nuclear risks in the region, suggesting that the strategic realities of the Middle East make the use of nuclear weapons highly unlikely. Facilities such as Israel’s nuclear research center in Dimona are often cited in debates about regional deterrence, yet the expert believes that ambiguity rather than actual deployment of such weapons plays the central role in maintaining psychological pressure. Ultimately, he argues that preventing further escalation requires broader regional security mechanisms involving Gulf states and major powers. Without such frameworks, the ongoing confrontation risks intensifying through cycles of retaliation, even though many actors in the region would prefer a stable environment focused on economic development rather than war. #ConfrontationbetweenIranandtheU.S. #ConfrontationbetweenIsraelandIran#Iran#MiddleEastconflict#RussiaintheMiddleEast READ MORE ✅@NewEasternOutlook

🎙🇮🇷Alexander Maryasov: “ Iran not only has no intention of surrendering but is also intensifying retaliatory strikes" Today’s guest is a highly experienced diplomat and orientalist who worked for many years as Consul General and Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Iran. Given his unique expertise, we have examined the current critical situation in the Middle East 🎤Yulia Novitskaya is a writer, journalist, and correspondent for New Eastern Outlook ➡️Alexander Maryasov began his diplomatic career in Iran during the Shah's regime. "Under him, Iran was a secular and relatively successful state," he recalls. "But the Shah promoted Western values and imposed a Western way of life. The overwhelming majority of traditionalist population, which continued to live in poverty, preferred Islamic spiritual values." After the 1979 revolution, rapid Islamization began. However, amid Western sanctions and the authorities' inability to solve socio-economic problems, protest sentiments—especially among urban youth demanding abolition of religious restrictions—have grown in recent years. Russia is interested in the swiftest end to military actions in the Middle East and the stabilization of the situation in this region. ➡️Regarding criticism that Moscow did not provide expected support: "The Russian-Iranian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership does not provide for military assistance. Besides, Iranians did not ask for it. They are very sensitive to any violations of their sovereignty." Russia condemned US-Israeli aggression—Moscow's UN Security Council resolution was blocked by Washington. The Russian leadership maintains contacts with all parties and is ready for mediation. As for China's role, Maryasov notes: "According to Western media reports, China is providing military assistance to Tehran, although overall Beijing is being very cautious." 🟦On Iranian unity: "Foreign aggression has united Iranians around the flag, awakening strong patriotic feelings. The war has pushed dissatisfaction with socio-economic problems into the background. As long as the mortal danger persists, the majority will support authorities' efforts to repel the aggressor." But the protest potential remains. "When the war ends, Iranians will demand measures to solve accumulated problems." On the Strait of Hormuz: Iran blocks it but allows ships from friendly countries—India, China—to pass. Americans hesitate to forcibly reopen, knowing Iran would respond with missile and drone strikes. The US is suffering reputational losses. "Iran is upping intensity of retaliatory strikes. Americans are beginning to contemplate an exit strategy." Even if Washington ceases operations, "the situation is unlikely to stabilize if Israel, with US support, continues fighting Iran." On average Iranians: "Due to constant inflation, unemployment, currency devaluation, living standards are declining rapidly. Usually cheerful, Iranians are now becoming withdrawn, nervous, focused primarily on how to survive." Post-war order: "Russia is interested in the swiftest end to military actions. The best path to peace would be creation of a collective security system with participation of all regional states." Maryasov concludes: "Iran not only has no intention of surrendering but is also intensifying retaliatory strikes. I think President Trump is already preparing a statement about the victorious conclusion of the war." #Diplomacy#Internationalpolitics#Iran#MiddleEastconflict#Russia#RussiaintheMiddleEast READ MORE ✅@NewEasternOutlook

🇷🇺🤝🇦🇪Russia-UAE: An Important Milestone in Bilateral Relations The fifteenth summit between Vladimir Putin and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan signaled not only continuity, but a qualitative deepening of Russia–UAE strategic partnership amid global turbulence ✍️Yuriy Zinin is PhD in History and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of International Studies, Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. ➡️The official visit of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Moscow on January 29 marked a new stage in multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Over the past five years, trade turnover has grown almost sixfold, making the UAE Russia’s leading partner in the Arab world. Russian agricultural exports alone reached $400 million in 2025, reflecting diversification beyond traditional energy ties. Emirati officials underline that Russia’s industrial and technological capacities complement the UAE’s strategy of building resilient supply chains, while the growing number of Russian-registered companies in the Emirates—now exceeding 13,500—illustrates deepening business integration. The visit reflects the UAE leadership’s awareness of Russia’s importance to global security and energy balance ➡️The timing of the visit was also politically significant. It coincided with UAE-facilitated contacts related to the Ukrainian crisis, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a mediator capable of maintaining dialogue channels between conflicting parties. Emirati media highlighted humanitarian initiatives, including multiple prisoner exchanges, as evidence of pragmatic diplomacy focused on de-escalation rather than publicity. For the UAE leadership, engagement with Moscow is framed as part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening global security balances and maintaining stable energy markets, where coordination with Russia remains essential. 🟦Beyond diplomacy, the partnership is expanding across tourism, investment, and logistics. In 2025, 2.4 million Russian tourists visited the UAE, while more than 70,000 Emiratis traveled to Russia, supported by visa-free regimes and active air connectivity. The first Russia-UAE Business Forum in Dubai and new agreements with economic zones such as RAKEZ demonstrate practical steps to institutionalize trade and re-export flows. Against the backdrop of Western sanctions on Moscow, cooperation with the UAE provides Russia with alternative economic channels, while Abu Dhabi consolidates its position as a key Eurasian interlocutor. Local commentators increasingly describe the relationship as “outstanding,” grounded in pragmatism, non-interference, and shared strategic calculation. #Economiccooperation#Politicalcooperation#Russia#RussiaintheMiddleEast#UAE READ MORE ✅@NewEasternOutlook

💯🇷🇺🇸🇦From "Red Pasha" to Oil Alliance: One Hundred Years of Russian-Saudi Diplomatic Relations In February 2026, Moscow and Riyadh are celebrating a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations—marking a journey that began with a Soviet diplomat's note to a desert king and today shapes the global energy landscape through strategic partnership ✍Viktor Mikhin is a writer and expert on the Middle East ➡️The history dates back to February 16, 1926, when the Soviet Union became the first world power to recognize the new state under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. The diplomat Karim Khakimov—nicknamed the "Red Pasha" for his influence among Bedouins—gained the king's trust, arranged supplies of weapons and fuel, and established a near-friendly relationship. Yet this promising start was tragically interrupted in 1938. Khakimov was recalled to Moscow and executed, and King Abdulaziz, who had personally offered him asylum, refused to receive any other Kremlin representative. Combined with Moscow's intensifying anti-religious campaign, this personal affront severed ties for half a century, resuming only in the 1990s amid the USSR's collapse and new foreign policy orientations. the centenary of diplomatic relations is becoming not just a date on the calendar, but a starting point for a new stage of cooperation ➡️February 2026 has been marked by high-level dialogue. President Vladimir Putin spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting bilateral relations have reached a "truly multifaceted and mutually beneficial character." Coordination within OPEC+ remains central to balancing global energy markets. A round table at the Russian House in Jeddah, led by Tatarstan's Rustam Minnikhanov, explored cultural bridges, with Kazan—Capital of Islamic Culture 2026—positioned as a natural link between Russia and the Arab world. In Moscow, the Khakimov Club gathered diplomats, experts, and business leaders, with Ambassador Sami Al-Sadhan affirming that relations influence not only bilateral ties but the entire region. The event featured the second edition of Oleg Ozerov's book, "Karim Khakimov: A Chronicle of Life." 🟦Symbolically, the anniversary coincides with Saudi Arabia becoming the guest country at SPIEF 2026—a decision Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed as an opportunity to boost trade and investment ties. Academic seminars at INION RAN are reflecting on a century of relations, while Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman offered a distinctive view: "We should not attach our relationship to the temperature and the weather... weather is seasonal, but our bilateral [relations] are eternal." The path from Khakimov's mission to today's strategic dialogue has been long and thorny, navigating ideological rupture and Cold War estrangement. Yet 2026 demonstrates that Russia and Saudi Arabia have learned not only to overcome disagreements but to build a common agenda where energy security, mutual investments, and public diplomacy occupy key places. The centenary is not merely a date on the calendar—it is a starting point for a new stage of cooperation in a multipolar world. #Diplomacy#Economiccooperation#History#Politicalcooperation#Russia#RussiaintheMiddleEast READ MORE ✅@NewEasternOutlook

🇷🇺🇮🇶Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Iraq H.E. Mr. Elbrus Kutrashev: “Iraq is our ally and like-minded partner in the emerging multipolar world” In an exclusive interview, Moscow’s envoy in Baghdad outlines the strategic depth of Russian-Iraqi relations, the pressures of sanctions, and the shared vision of a multipolar order 🎤Yuliya Novitskaya is a writer, journalist, and correspondent for New Eastern Outlook ➡️In conversation with H.E. Elbrus Kutrashev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Iraq, the central message was unmistakable: bilateral ties have entered a mature and pragmatic phase grounded in historical continuity and mutual respect. Recalling President Vladimir Putin’s December 2025 meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in Ashgabat, the ambassador described relations as “diversifying and becoming more multifaceted.” Despite the upheavals of the 1990s and the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, Moscow and Baghdad preserved dialogue and gradually restored economic and defense cooperation. Iraq’s refusal to join anti-Russian sanctions and its neutral stance on Ukraine, he argued, reflect a broader alignment rooted in sovereignty and resistance to external pressure. For Kutrashev, Iraq is not merely a regional partner but “a key country” in shaping the emerging multipolar balance. Iraq is one of the key countries in the region and a kind of key to many regional – and not only – problems ➡️Energy remains the flagship of cooperation, with Russian companies active in oil and gas extraction and refining. Yet the ambassador stressed that opportunities extend beyond hydrocarbons to electricity generation, pharmaceuticals, food supplies, and transport infrastructure — including Iraq’s ambitious “Development Road” corridor linking the Gulf to Europe via Türkiye. Sanctions and logistical constraints complicate expansion, but Kutrashev characterized these barriers as temporary. In his assessment, Western restrictions ultimately weaken their architects and accelerate the search for alternative financial and trade mechanisms. While acknowledging Iraq’s internal challenges, he emphasized that Russian investors continue to view the country as promising, particularly as Baghdad diversifies partnerships and seeks post-conflict reconstruction. 🟦Security cooperation forms another pillar of the relationship. Kutrashev recalled Moscow’s rapid military assistance to Baghdad in 2014, when ISIS threatened the Iraqi capital, contrasting it with what he described as Western hesitation. Counterterrorism coordination, arms supplies, and intelligence exchange remain active, reflecting shared concerns over extremist networks that have affected both Russia and Iraq. Beyond defense, the ambassador highlighted expanding educational and cultural ties: hundreds of Iraqi students study in Russian universities annually, and interest in Russian language and culture is growing. For Kutrashev, these humanitarian links constitute a long-term investment that outlasts political turbulence. “Diplomacy is a way of life,” he concluded, suggesting that the endurance of Russian-Iraqi relations lies less in momentary crises than in sustained strategic trust. #counterterrorism#Economiccooperation#Energyresources#Iraq#Politicalcooperation#Russia#RussiaintheMiddleEast READ MORE ✅@NewEasternOutlook