High-Level Talks in Tehran Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
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Raven Ruma
- . August 6, 2024
- . Update: August 6, 2024 8:06 pm
Arriving in Tehran on Monday for crucial talks with Iranian officials including the president and top security officials, a well-known friend of President Vladimir Putin came to assess his reaction to the recent assassination of a Hamas commander. This trip emphasizes the growing relations between Russia and Iran in view of the unstable Middle East.
Russia’s Viewpoint on the Hamas Leader Death
Russia has fiercely denounced the death of Palestinian Islamist party Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last week. Moscow has recommended all those engaged in the matter to exercise moderation in order to stop the Middle East from spiraling into more general regional strife. Russia’s security council secretary, Sergei Shoigu, was spotted with top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Rear Admiral Ali Akbar Ahmadian as well as Iran’s Supreme National Security Council’s secretary.
Expected Meetings
Former Russia’s defense minister until his May nomination to the security council, Shoigu is expected to meet with President Masoud Pezeshkian and other high-ranking officials. Russia’s Zvezda TV station claims that Shoigu’s schedule in Tehran includes in visits to the General Staff head, the President, and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
Although President Putin has not publicly addressed the growing Middle Eastern tensions, top Russian officials have speculated that the murder of Haniyeh seeks to ruin peace prospects in the area and justify US military engagement.
Response of Iran
Iran pledged to strike back following accusations Israel of planning the assassination. Israeli officials have not taken responsibility for the episode. Iran’s support of Hezbollah, whose top military leader Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut last week, and of Hamas, which is now fighting Israel in Gaza, emphasizes the complex network of relationships and animosity in the area.
Improving ties between Russia and Iran
Russia has sought to offset its dispute with Ukraine with closer relations to Iran. Apparently, the two countries are about to sign a thorough cooperation pact. Reuters reported in February that Iran has provided Russia sufficient strong surface-to– surface ballistic missiles. Furthermore, in June the US claimed—a claim Moscow rejects—that Russia was boosting its defense cooperation with Iran and procuring hundreds of one-way attack drones targeted at Ukraine.
Keep On Reading
Joint Denominational
Russia joined Iran last Friday in criticizing the assassination of the Hamas leader and foresaw “very dangerous consequences” from such strikes. Stressing Russia’s and Iran’s united front in response to the Middle Eastern unrest and continuous bloodshed, this joint statement says
Summary
The high-level negotiations between Russia and Iran coincide with a turning point as they negotiate their positions in a territory full of political unrest and strife. The death of Ismail Haniyeh has further strained relations and increased the likelihood of a larger war; consequently, diplomatic events such as these are rather crucial for regional peace.
