Nikita Smagin

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Nikita Smagin is an expert on Iran with the Russian International Affairs Council.


All work from Nikita Smagin

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15 Results
Iran Shouldn’t Expect Russia to Come Riding to Its Rescue

While the prospect of a full-scale war between Iran and Israel is a worry for the Kremlin, it could also have a significant financial upside for Russia.

· October 14, 2024
Russia Is Being Drawn Deeper Into the Middle East Conflict

A steady flow of Russian weapons to Tehran could change the balance of power in the region, potentially triggering a response from the United States and Israel. 

· August 14, 2024
Is Iran’s Pro-Reform President a Threat to Russia-Iran Ties?

Reform-minded voters in Iran oppose close cooperation with Russia and would like to see their country normalize relations with the West.

· July 19, 2024
President Raisi’s Death Shows the Russia-Iran Partnership Is Inescapable

There are so many economic, political, and military factors pulling Moscow and Tehran closer together that individuals are almost irrelevant. 

· May 24, 2024
United Against America: Russia-Iran Military Cooperation Is a Looming Threat

We appear to be witnessing the emergence of a united front against Washington that extends from the Baltic Sea to the Persian Gulf.

· February 27, 2024
Russia’s Outrage Over U.S. Strikes Against Houthis Is Just Bluster

Moscow has little to gain from a major flare-up in the Red Sea, which means Washington’s efforts to stop Houthi attacks on shipping are likely to be quietly welcomed.

· January 19, 2024
The Gaza War Has Convinced Russia It Was Right All Along

Events in the Middle East have helped the Kremlin convince itself that Russia’s foreign policy in recent years has been the right one.

· December 7, 2023
Middle Eastern Influence Is Growing Fast in Russia

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia actively borrowed Western—primarily European—legal and bureaucratic practices. Now that the European path appears to be closed off entirely, the Middle East is fast emerging as an alternative route.

· November 16, 2023
Forgotten Front: Why Syria Is Becoming a Headache for Russia

Syria has not only failed to become a secure base for Russian forces in the Middle East, but is increasingly generating its own crises.

· October 17, 2023
A North–South Corridor on Putin’s Dime: Why Russia Is Bankrolling Iran’s Infrastructure

Iran’s goal is to modernize its transport infrastructure using Russian money, and Moscow has little choice but to foot the bill.

· June 15, 2023