Here's an analysis of Russia's military alliances in the Middle East, considering the most recent information available as of July 6, 2025.
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Russia's primary military alliances in the Middle East are with Syria and Iran.
Russia's foreign policy in the Middle East is multifaceted, involving a complex web of relationships with various countries and actors. Historically, Russia has been involved in numerous conflicts in the region, particularly with Turkey and the Ottoman Empire, as well as in Afghanistan and, more recently, in support of Syria.[1] Today, Russia often provides broad diplomatic and military support to Middle Eastern countries, mirroring its actions in imperial times.[1]
Syria: Russia's relationship with Syria is deeply rooted in history, with the Soviet Union establishing strong ties in the 1960s and 1970s.[8] Russia has maintained a military presence in Syria since 2015, providing crucial support to the Assad regime during the civil war.[2] This support has included military equipment, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic cover at the United Nations.[2] Russia's military presence in Syria serves several strategic goals, including maintaining access to the Mediterranean Sea through the naval base in Tartus and the airbase in Latakia, combating extremist groups, and projecting power to challenge U.S. influence in the region.[8] The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 has led to questions about Russia's ability to maintain its military bases and political influence, but the Russian military presence has remained entrenched in strategic locations.[3] Russia's continued presence in Syria is seen by some as an obstacle to stability, while others view it as a bargaining chip in regional power dynamics.[3]
Iran: The relationship between Russia and Iran has significantly strengthened since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.[5] This cooperation has expanded into military, economic, and political spheres.[5] Iran has supplied Russia with drones, artillery shells, and ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.[5] In return, Russia has provided Iran with military technology, intelligence sharing, and technical support.[5] The two countries have also deepened their economic cooperation to bypass Western sanctions.[5] The signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in January 2025 further solidified the alliance, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations over the next 20 years.[6] However, this treaty does not include a mutual defense clause, indicating that the partnership, while significant, is not a full-fledged military alliance.[6] The relationship is best understood as a partnership in transition, which has moved beyond mere transactionalism, but has yet to emerge as a full-fledged strategic alliance.[6]
Other Considerations:
- Strategic Interests: Russia's involvement in the Middle East is driven by strategic and economic concerns, including re-establishing itself as a global power, countering Western influence, and securing economic opportunities.[8]
- Arms Sales: Russia is a major arms supplier to the Middle East, with sales playing a key role in its foreign policy.[7] While sanctions have impacted Russia's ability to export weapons, demand for Russian weaponry remains, particularly for aircraft, missiles, and air defense systems.[7]
- Competition: Russia's presence in the Middle East is part of a broader power struggle with the United States.[9] Russia seeks to expand its influence through arms sales, military relationships, and paramilitary activity, such as the Wagner Group (now Afrika Korps).[9]
- Challenges: Russia faces challenges in the Middle East, including a mismatch between its strategic objectives and economic resources, competition with China, and the need to balance relationships with various regional actors who often have conflicting interests.[8]
- Impact on the U.S.: Russia's growing presence in the Middle East presents a challenge to U.S. interests, as Moscow seeks to undermine U.S. dominance and promote its own agenda.[8]
Authoritative Sources
- Russian foreign policy in the Middle East. [Wikipedia]↩
- For centuries, the Middle East has been an arena of competition between Russia and the other major powers of the day. [Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]↩
- Syria witnessed a radical and wide-ranging transformation after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Dec. 8, 2024. [Middle East Institute]↩
- Moscow warned of a "catastrophe" if Israel continues to strike nuclear sites in Iran. [Newsweek]↩
- Iran’s reported decision to send ballistic missiles to Russia highlights a growing and unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. [Stimson Center]↩
- On January 17, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in Moscow. [Middle East Council]↩
- Russia’s defense relationships in the Middle East and North Africa have been gravely weakened as a result of its war in Ukraine. [The Washington Institute for Near East Policy]↩
- Russian influence and presence in the broad Middle East (North Africa, the Levant, and Persian Gulf) have significantly fluctuated over the last several decades. [George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies]↩
- Conflict across the Middle East continues to spiral, and the future US position in the region remains at the forefront of foreign policy discussions. [The Washington Institute for Near East Policy]↩
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