Russia´s Pivotal Role in the Middle East: Strategic Influence and Military Engagement

Russia’s Pivotal Role in the Middle East: Strategic Influence and Military Engagement

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Russia has emerged as a crucial player in the global conflict within the region. Moscow seeks to expand its influence through various defensive strategies, efforts that have accelerated since the Ukraine invasion in 2022, coinciding with intensifying conflict between Iran and its allies on one side, and the United States and Israel on the other.

Russia remains a key player in the regional arms market, with military exports to the Middle East reaching approximately $6 billion annually before the Ukraine invasion. Despite Western sanctions, Moscow continues to supply advanced weaponry to countries in the region, including fighter aircraft and air defense systems, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the global arms trade.

The military cooperation between Russia and Iran has grown significantly, with Moscow providing Tehran with Su-35 fighter aircraft, strengthening Iran’s offensive capabilities. This military alliance reflects strategic shifts in regional power dynamics, demonstrated through joint military exercises between Russia and Iran, as well as trilateral cooperation with China. In pursuit of expanding its military footprint, Russia continues to reinforce its presence in the Mediterranean through military bases in Syria and Libya, while seeking access to new naval ports in Sudan. Moscow utilizes private military companies as effective instruments in achieving its strategic goals in the region.

Russian Influence in the Middle East

In an exclusive interview with Nidaa Al-Watan, Dimitri Birdzhe, Director of Russian Studies at the Center for Arab-Eurasian Studies, member of the Middle East and North Africa Editors Network, and expert at the Russian International Affairs Council, confirmed that Moscow fully recognizes its complex role in the Middle East. Russia has historically maintained long-term relationships with countries in the region, particularly Syria and Iraq.

In the contemporary context, Russia views itself as a decisive power broker, using this role to expand its geopolitical influence, promote regional security stability, and counterbalance Western dominance. Its primary objectives include combating terrorism, ensuring regional stability, and maintaining a strong strategic military presence. Russia’s intervention in Syria since 2015 exemplifies this strategic approach, aimed at preserving a pro-Russian government and securing strategic footholds through military bases such as the Hmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base. Russia also positions itself as a key player in Syria’s post-war economic recovery, leveraging reconstruction efforts to cement its long-term influence.

Regarding Syria, Birdzhe noted that Moscow considers its military intervention largely successful, having preserved a pro-Russian governmental structure and reduced threats from extremist groups. Russia views these “successes” as steps toward strengthening its strategic position in the Middle East and establishing long-term military infrastructure and operational capabilities. The Russian military presence is crucial in ensuring Syria remains within Moscow’s sphere of influence, serving Russia’s strategic and geopolitical interests.

Looking ahead, Birdzhe explained that Russia’s military role in Syria will largely depend on the evolution of the country’s political landscape, particularly regarding any new government’s stance on continued Russian military presence. Syria’s future will also remain subject to ethnic and religious tensions between various communities. Russia is fully aware of the risks that may arise from sectarian divisions and considers its continued military intervention essential to prevent fragmentation and preserve Syrian territorial unity.

Russia and the Deployment of Missile Experts to Iran

Regarding military cooperation with Iran, Birdzhe discussed how this partnership holds strategic importance and aligns with Russia’s broader geopolitical objectives in the Middle East. Recent reports confirm Russia’s deployment of missile experts to Iran, reflecting deepening military and technological collaboration between the two nations. For Moscow, this cooperation represents a calculated move to strengthen strategic alliances and assert influence in regional geopolitics. Russia views Iran as an important regional partner in countering Western influence, managing regional stability, and securing strategic energy corridors.

Moscow recognizes the importance of carefully balancing its relations with Iran to ensure enhanced regional security without provoking excessive confrontation with Western powers. Russia’s strategic objectives in its partnership with Iran include shaping regional security dynamics to align with Russian interests and expanding economic and energy cooperation with Tehran.

Russia and Lebanon: Potential Areas of Cooperation

Regarding Lebanon, Birdzhe emphasized that Russia considers Lebanon a strategically valuable partner with significant potential for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, defense, and economics. Cooperation in energy, especially in oil and gas exploration projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a priority for Moscow. Lebanon’s energy sector contains untapped potential, providing opportunities for Russia to engage in joint projects and infrastructure investment.

Militarily, Russia sees potential in providing Lebanon with military equipment, training, and assistance in reforming the security and military sectors. In the economic domain, Russia aims to contribute significantly to Lebanese recovery efforts through infrastructure investment and trade.

Key Priorities of Russian Foreign Policy

Birdzhe confirmed that Russia’s foreign policy for 2025 will continue focusing on strategic priorities, including promoting a multipolar system, maintaining strategic independence, countering Western dominance, and enhancing regional stability through partnerships. Russia will continue deepening strategic relationships with major regional powers such as Gulf states, Turkey, and Iran, aligning with shared interests in security, energy, and economic cooperation. Counterterrorism will remain a fundamental pillar of Russian foreign policy, reflecting its security strategy aimed at stabilizing conflict zones and securing strategic interests.

Jeddah Talks and the Saudi Role

Birdzhe viewed the recent high-level talks hosted in Jeddah as highlighting Saudi Arabia’s crucial role as an effective diplomatic mediator and influential power on the international stage, particularly in one of the most complex crises of our time: the Ukrainian conflict. By hosting these pivotal negotiations, the Kingdom demonstrated its readiness not only to participate but to lead, leveraging its regional influence and international relationships to foster dialogue and constructive solutions.

The Saudi intervention came at a highly sensitive time, as the war’s repercussions in Ukraine extended beyond Eastern Europe’s geographical scope, impacting global energy markets, trade, and security alliances. With Washington’s decision to suspend military and intelligence support to Kyiv following tensions arising from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Jeddah talks gained increased importance.

In this context, Riyadh initiated hosting American and Ukrainian officials, enhancing its position as a mediator capable of containing crises before they escalate.

Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its ability to bring together major powers and conflicting parties, reflecting its growing diplomatic stature. The Jeddah summit confirms this trend, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s transformation from an influential regional player to a global power with an active role in conflict resolution. By providing a neutral and influential platform, the Kingdom enables different parties to engage in serious dialogue, contributing to cooperation pathways or at least reaching a ceasefire that mitigates the conflict’s humanitarian and economic consequences.

This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts in economic and social fields, diversifying energy sources, and promoting regional and international peace, reflecting a comprehensive strategic vision. At a time when many countries face internal challenges, Riyadh remains a key player seeking stability beyond its geographical vicinity. Though the Ukrainian crisis unfolds thousands of kilometers away, its implications affect everyone, from supply chain disruptions to oil price fluctuations and global defense priorities. By hosting the Jeddah talks, Saudi Arabia strengthens its role in mitigating global geopolitical risks.

The personal engagement of the Saudi Crown Prince has enhanced the Kingdom’s diplomatic credibility on the international stage. It reflects not merely the exercise of political influence, but a genuine commitment to achieving fundamental changes in the international landscape. By adopting a dynamic diplomatic approach that transcends traditional methods, Saudi Arabia is redefining its global image, transitioning from an oil-wealthy state to an influential power in mediation, peacemaking, and humanitarian assistance. With the increasing need for trusted mediators in the turbulent international landscape, the Saudi model in managing the Ukrainian crisis may be a prelude to a broader role in resolving global conflicts.

The Jeddah talks mark a significant moment in international relations, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in shaping diplomatic efforts beyond the Middle East.

Josiane Hajj Moussa

https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/311997-روسيا-لاعب-محوري-في-الشرق-الأوسط