The conflict between Iran and Israel has drawn significant attention in Russian media, which view it through the lens of Russia’s geopolitical interests. Russian sources highlight that the escalation diverts Western attention from the war in Ukraine and may bring strategic benefits to Moscow, including strengthening political influence in the region by playing a mediator role in de-escalating the conflict. Russian officials, including Sergey Lavrov, have expressed readiness to assist in calming tensions, while also noting Russia’s limited power outside the post-Soviet space. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu justifies the attacks as necessary to prevent Iran’s nuclear program, while the international community calls for restraint. The conflict also impacts global markets, particularly oil prices and the value of the dollar. The Russian embassy in Iran is working on evacuating Russian citizens due to Israeli strikes. Phone talks between Putin and Trump indicate concern over escalation and the possibility of returning to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources tend to emphasize the geopolitical maneuvering by Russia, highlighting how Moscow uses the conflict to distract the West from Ukraine and to increase its influence in the Middle East. They often criticize Israel’s military actions and stress the humanitarian impact of the conflict, calling for diplomatic solutions and de-escalation.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the conflict and the diplomatic efforts by Russia to mediate, presenting statements from all sides including Israeli justifications and Iranian responses. They focus on the regional security implications and the impact on global markets, maintaining a balanced tone without strong bias.
Right: Right-leaning sources emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, often portraying Netanyahu’s actions as necessary and justified to prevent a nuclear threat. They may highlight the threat posed by Iran and support strong military responses, while viewing Russia’s role as opportunistic but secondary.
