In a recent interview, Iranian expert Nikita Smagin delves into the repercussions of the ongoing Iran conflict on Russia, emphasizing that President Putin's foremost worry is the potential destabilization of the Iranian regime, particularly with regards to the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei. Although the war has led to a short-term financial benefit for Russia due to rising oil prices, Smagin points out that this advantage is only temporary as it correlates directly with Iran's inability to export oil to China, thus giving Russia an unexpected opportunity to recover from diminished revenues owing to reduced Indian oil imports.

However, the long-term outlook raises significant concerns for Russia as multiple projects tied to Iran's economy and infrastructure become jeopardized amid the conflict. Smagin notes that investing in a nation undergoing social unrest and experiencing bombardment leads to complications and risks for Russian interests. He underscores the critical nature of the Northern-Southern Transport Corridor project, which is among the major initiatives under threat due to the protests and instability within Iran.

Overall, Smagin's analysis illustrates a complex relationship between Russia and Iran; while Russia may enjoy current financial relief, the overarching instability in Iran poses substantial risks to future collaborations and projects, ultimately requiring careful navigation by Putin amid the evolving geopolitical landscape.