Espreso. Global
OPINION

Russia-Iran: has Putin outplayed everyone?

18 January, 2025 Saturday
15:58

Russia signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement with Iran. The same one as with North Korea

client/title.list_title

A bold move by Putin. It's a direct spit in Trump's face. He'll "like" that.

"Interestingly, the alliance with North Korea is more productive for Russia because North Korea provides weapons and soldiers. And no one plans to bomb them—yet."

As for Iran, it's more of a piece of paper that's hard to give real substance. Israel and the U.S. have long been itching to strike Iran hard.

Iran has already given Russia everything it could. After Israeli strikes, those capabilities have dwindled. Iran itself needs air defense systems and aviation, which Russia doesn't have in surplus.

But this is a signal to the whole world that a bloc of aggressive states is forming. And China seems uninvolved here.

Very good news for us.

Source

About the author: Taras Zahorodnyi, managing partner of the National Crisis Group.

The editorial board does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Thursday
13 February
12:15
Review
Return to pre-war borders is unrealistic: New Pentagon chief's statements at Ramstein and Ukraine's stance. Serhiy Zgurets' column
11:52
Russian forces block water and humanitarian aid deliveries to civilians in frontline areas
11:35
"Putin would say he won": Trump says he'll keep supporting Ukraine
11:16
Russian civilians evacuated to Ukraine after Russia’s deadly strike on shelter
10:54
116 clashes occur at front on Feb. 12: Russia launches over 5,000 strikes on Ukraine
10:33
European countries and Ukraine demand a say in any peace talks
10:15
Exclusive
Russian troops attempt to fully sever Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway
09:56
U.S. envoy Kellogg to visit Ukraine for “tough diplomacy” — U.S. State Department
09:36
Russia loses 1,250 soldiers, 17 tanks, 58 artillery systems in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Wednesday
12 February
22:00
Russia launches record number of strikes on Donetsk region since war started
21:45
Exclusive
Russian army does not hesitate to drop bombs on its citizens: Ukrainian military on Kursk sector
21:33
Exclusive
How Ukraine shoots down ballistic missiles may remain classified
21:21
F-16 with JASSM-ER, illustrative photo
First F-16 photo during combat mission in Ukraine emerges online — what does it reveal?
21:10
Ukrainian priest in Pennsylvania: Trump himself will decide to stand by Ukraine
21:00
Zelenskyy and Trump hold talks
20:50
Russia blocks IAEA experts' rotation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant – Ukraine's MFA
20:40
Zelenskyy: Work on Trump’s plan to end Ukraine war likely to start in February
20:26
Ukraine wins 16 medals at 2025 Invictus Games
20:11
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, February 5-12
Russia is forced to retreat in some areas of Pokrovsk sector
19:51
UK pledges £150 million in military aid to Ukraine
19:36
“I prayed for Trump's protection at rally before assassination attempt” — Jason Sharron, Ukrainian priest in Pennsylvania
19:25
NATO membership for Ukraine is unrealistic, says U.S. Defense Secretary Hagseth
19:10
Exclusive
Russia training surviving North Korean soldiers to reinforce troops in Kursk region
18:49
NATO must ensure negotiation results that Putin can’t overturn in six months or year – Rutte
18:11
600,000 Ukrainian children trapped in occupied territories: over 40,000 still enrolled in Ukrainian schools
18:00
Interview
Ukrainian Catholic Church priest in Pennsylvania on beauty of Ukrainian traditions and why Trump can be helpful for Ukraine
17:50
Supporting Ukraine is top foreign policy priority — Sweden’s top diplomat
17:32
'Putin will lose if he attacks NATO': Rutte on Russian threat in Europe
17:15
Exclusive
"Much hinges on Kellogg's meeting with Zelenskyy's team" regarding Trump's peace plan — Ukrainian MP
16:51
NATO Secretary General Rutte announces new military aid for Ukraine
16:37
White House power struggle: Trump ally Witkoff’s Moscow move sparks clash over Ukraine policy
16:15
China assists Russian drone production with smuggled Western parts — Estonian intel
15:53
Zelenskyy says assassination attempts on him led to deaths in President's Office
15:42
Exclusive
European allies to announce new military aid after Ramstein meeting — Espreso correspondent
15:30
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, February 5-12
February 5-12 live war map: Ukrainian counterattacks yield results 
15:14
Soldier stabbed at Kharkiv recruitment center as Ukraine faces surge in attacks on military personnel
14:55
Updated
Ramstein meeting kicks off in Brussels: Key issues on the agenda
14:54
Russian soldiers seen attempting assault on Ukraine positions on crutches: video
14:32
Ukraine's Security Service uncovers FSB mole within its top ranks
14:15
Leaked video exposes Russian PSYOP: commander admits bombing civilians in Sudzha
More news