The Iran war presents Russian President Vladimir Putin with a diplomatic challenge, as he attempts to position himself as a leader advocating for a 'new world order' and representing the 'global south.' This requires him to publicly critique American and Israeli military actions, which are already in motion. However, despite this dynamic, Putin is cautious about alienating U.S. President Donald Trump, as he sees significant strategic value in maintaining a close relationship with him, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Putin's dilemma is accentuated by his aspirations to leverage Trump's influence in peace negotiations, hoping that Trump can convince U.S. allies to yield territories to Russian forces in Ukraine without resistance. His hope is that Trump's return to power could reshape the dynamics of international involvement in the conflicts surrounding Ukraine and Iran. This strategy is one of utilizing both a cooperative stance with Trump while still maintaining a critical view of the Western military actions in the Middle East.

In the lead-up to recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, Moscow has been working to persuade Washington to de-escalate tensions, aiming to establish a dialogue that could prevent further deterioration of relations between the U.S. and Russia. Putin's efforts highlight the delicate balancing act he must perform, as he navigates the complexities of international politics while trying to secure advantageous outcomes for his military ambitions in Ukraine and maintain alliances with countries like Iran.