Since the end of the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, criticism in Tehran over Russia’s refusal to assist Iran during the conflict has been mounting. Over the past week, Iranian media outlets—particularly those affiliated with the pragmatic camp—have published commentary pieces sharply criticizing Russia’s conduct. These articles condemned Moscow for limiting its response to formal condemnations and refraining from providing Iran with any practical support.
For example, the Khabar Online news website criticized the prolonged delay in delivering Russian Su-35 fighter jets to Iran. The site argued that the delay was not due to technical or economic issues, but rather stemmed from Russia prioritizing its relations with Israel, the U.S., and Gulf states over its commitment to Iran. The article claimed that the delayed delivery of the jets—which could have significantly altered the outcome of the conflict with Israel—demonstrates that the alliance between the two countries is one-sided: Iran provides Russia with essential drones, and in return, receives nothing but empty promises.
The reformist newspaper Shargh asserted that Russia’s behavior—its failure to stand by its key partner in a time of crisis or to impose any form of solution on the conflicting parties—casts doubt on the strength of the alliance. In an opinion piece titled "Russia: Bystander or Ally?", the paper argued that the Iranian-Russian partnership, which culminated in the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement in early 2025, has yielded no tangible benefits for Tehran. While the United States actively entered the war, Russia’s support remained limited to political statements. According to the daily, Russia’s continued refusal to supply advanced aircraft or air defense systems—even after the Israeli strike in late October 2024—proves once again that the partnership is based on shifting interests rather than genuine commitment.
It is worth noting that the strategic cooperation agreement, signed by the presidents of Russia and Iran in January 2025, does not include any clause obligating the parties to provide military assistance if one is attacked. Nonetheless, Russia’s conduct during the war has reinforced traditional Iranian distrust of Moscow. In recent years, pragmatic and reformist circles in Iran have warned against growing dependence on Russia, cautioning that Moscow might sacrifice Iranian national interests for its own strategic gains. Although a shift in Iran’s strategic posture toward Russia in the near future seems unlikely, the war with Israel has once again raised serious questions in Tehran regarding Russia’s strategic value to Iran.
Since the end of the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, criticism in Tehran over Russia’s refusal to assist Iran during the conflict has been mounting. Over the past week, Iranian media outlets—particularly those affiliated with the pragmatic camp—have published commentary pieces sharply criticizing Russia’s conduct. These articles condemned Moscow for limiting its response to formal condemnations and refraining from providing Iran with any practical support.
For example, the Khabar Online news website criticized the prolonged delay in delivering Russian Su-35 fighter jets to Iran. The site argued that the delay was not due to technical or economic issues, but rather stemmed from Russia prioritizing its relations with Israel, the U.S., and Gulf states over its commitment to Iran. The article claimed that the delayed delivery of the jets—which could have significantly altered the outcome of the conflict with Israel—demonstrates that the alliance between the two countries is one-sided: Iran provides Russia with essential drones, and in return, receives nothing but empty promises.
The reformist newspaper Shargh asserted that Russia’s behavior—its failure to stand by its key partner in a time of crisis or to impose any form of solution on the conflicting parties—casts doubt on the strength of the alliance. In an opinion piece titled "Russia: Bystander or Ally?", the paper argued that the Iranian-Russian partnership, which culminated in the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement in early 2025, has yielded no tangible benefits for Tehran. While the United States actively entered the war, Russia’s support remained limited to political statements. According to the daily, Russia’s continued refusal to supply advanced aircraft or air defense systems—even after the Israeli strike in late October 2024—proves once again that the partnership is based on shifting interests rather than genuine commitment.
It is worth noting that the strategic cooperation agreement, signed by the presidents of Russia and Iran in January 2025, does not include any clause obligating the parties to provide military assistance if one is attacked. Nonetheless, Russia’s conduct during the war has reinforced traditional Iranian distrust of Moscow. In recent years, pragmatic and reformist circles in Iran have warned against growing dependence on Russia, cautioning that Moscow might sacrifice Iranian national interests for its own strategic gains. Although a shift in Iran’s strategic posture toward Russia in the near future seems unlikely, the war with Israel has once again raised serious questions in Tehran regarding Russia’s strategic value to Iran.